The Lagos State Athletics Association (LSAA) has announced an array of initiatives for the upcoming year, which includes grassroots competitions tailored for schools as well as elite championships designed to enhance the overall standard of athletics in the state. During a press briefing held at William Carew Street in Anthony Village, Lagos, LSAA Chairman Solomon Alao reiterated the board’s steadfast commitment to fostering the growth of athletics in alignment with the Visions of the Lagos State Sports Commission. This push reflects not only a dedication to the sport but a holistic approach to athletic development that encompasses grassroots participation and elite competition.
The press conference also celebrated the achievements of the participants in the inaugural Deji Tinubu Lagos Athletics Club Series, an event that had taken place at the Yaba College of Technology Sports Complex. This competition saw numerous clubs from across Nigeria actively participating, reinforcing the spirit of camaraderie and competition that the LSAA seeks to promote. Alao highlighted the significant performance of clubs from Lagos and Ogun states, showcasing regional strengths in the sport. Among the standout performers, Agroterra Athletics Academy emerged victorious, earning a cash prize of N1,000,000, followed by Udo-Obong Athletics Club Academy with N600,000 and Eagle Sight Academy, which received N400,000.
Looking ahead, the LSAA is set to host the DT Lagos Athletics Classics next year to honor the legacy of the late Deji Tinubu. This premier event will be executed in phases, drawing senior athletes and top talents from local clubs to compete at high levels. The anticipation surrounding the second edition of the Deji Tinubu Athletics Classics is palpable, with many stakeholders eager to witness the growth and development that these events are designed to cultivate. Vice Chairman Mrs. Yemisi Tinubu expressed her excitement at the thriving competitive environment fostered by the previous championship and how it has laid the groundwork for future events.
The LSAA has also made strides in strengthening its organizational structure by establishing a new technical department. The chairmanship of this department has gone to Otegbeye Adefunlola Olufunke, an appointment expected to bring fresh perspectives and operational efficiencies. Additionally, Abiodun Ibrahim has been appointed as the Performance Director, while Billy Disu serves as the Programme Director. These roles highlight the LSAA’s strategy to elevate its technical mastery and programming capacity to better serve its members and athletes.
Part of the LSAA’s competitive framework includes the planned school sports games next year, aimed at identifying and developing emerging athletic talents throughout Lagos State. This initiative reflects a commitment to grassroots engagement, as it will provide student-athletes with multiple opportunities to showcase their abilities. By hosting these games biannually, the LSAA is looking to create a nurturing environment where young athletes can hone their skills, receive recognition for their talents, and ultimately contribute to the overall improvement of athletics in the state.
In sum, the comprehensive programs set forth by the LSAA signal a purposeful approach to advancing athletics in Lagos. By focusing on both grassroots engagement through school sports and elite competitions like the Deji Tinubu Athletics Classics, the association aims to create a balanced ecosystem that promotes skill development at all levels. With a revamped technical department and a clear vision for the future, the LSAA is poised to make significant contributions to the sport and cultivate a new generation of athletes ready to excel on national and international stages.
