The Lagos State Government reaffirmed its dedication to fostering grassroots sports development through the second edition of Sporty Lagos, a vibrant multi-sport festival held at Rowe Park, Yaba. The event, themed “Sporting a New Vision: Sanwo-Olu 2.0 Transforms Lagos,” drew over 500 participants and showcased a diverse range of sporting activities, including football, taekwondo, table tennis, tug of war, and boxing. This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to engaging youth in sports and providing a platform for identifying and nurturing exceptional athletic talent within the state. Sporty Lagos serves as a crucial component of the broader T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Agenda, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s strategic development plan, which emphasizes the importance of sports in community building and youth development.
The festival provided a dynamic and engaging environment for participants to demonstrate their athletic prowess and competitive spirit. Khaleed Olayiwola, one of the participants, lauded the event as a showcase of remarkable talent across various sporting disciplines. The event wasn’t just about competition; it fostered a sense of community and camaraderie among participants and spectators alike. The inclusion of activities like tug of war, which offered cash prizes, added an element of excitement and encouraged broader participation. This inclusive approach ensured that Sporty Lagos catered to a diverse range of interests and abilities, further strengthening its impact as a grassroots sports development initiative.
Grace Osifo, a parent attending the event for the first time, expressed her immense satisfaction with the organization and overall experience. Her participation in the tug of war competition, culminating in her team’s victory and a N20,000 cash prize, highlighted the tangible benefits and enjoyment derived from the festival. Osifo’s positive feedback underscored the event’s success in creating a fun-filled and rewarding experience for participants and spectators, solidifying its position as a valuable community event. Her call for the continuation of Sporty Lagos echoed the sentiments of many attendees, recognizing the festival’s significant contribution to grassroots sports development and community engagement.
Beyond the sporting activities, Sporty Lagos incorporated elements of entertainment, featuring live musical performances by Sanusi Ahanadu, popularly known as ShanaShow, and Friday Aiyedun Rajalin. These performances added another layer of vibrancy to the festival, creating a festive atmosphere that resonated with attendees. The inclusion of music underscores the event’s broader aim of providing a holistic and enriching experience for the community, further strengthening its appeal and impact. The blend of sports and entertainment created a dynamic and engaging environment, ensuring that Sporty Lagos catered to a diverse range of interests.
The presence of several dignitaries at the event further highlighted its significance. Among those in attendance were Asipa Wasiu Doyin Banjo, APC Lagos Financial Secretary; Ayodeji Amodu, Senior Special Assistant to Sanwo-Olu on Housing; Onaopepo Adu, SSA on Marketing and Administration; and Adebogun Adedayo, Speaker of the 4th Assembly, Youth Assembly of Nigeria, Lagos State Chapter. Their participation underscored the government’s commitment to the initiative and its recognition of the vital role of sports in community development. The presence of these influential figures served to elevate the profile of the event and further emphasize its importance within the broader context of the state’s development agenda.
Adebanji Atewogboye, Senior Special Assistant to Governor Sanwo-Olu on Grassroots Sports Development, emphasized the festival’s alignment with the government’s T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Agenda. He reiterated the administration’s commitment to promoting sports and engaging youth through initiatives like Sporty Lagos. Atewogboye highlighted the event’s dual purpose: providing a platform for meaningful youth engagement and serving as a talent identification ground for future sporting stars. His remarks reinforced the government’s dedication to investing in grassroots sports development as a means of empowering youth, fostering community spirit, and elevating the state’s sporting profile. The success of Sporty Lagos provides a strong foundation for future editions and underscores the potential of such initiatives to transform the sporting landscape at the grassroots level.
