The second edition of The Athletics School Games (TASG), held at the Yaba College of Technology Sports Complex, witnessed St. Saviour’s School, Ikoyi, and Grange School, Lagos, emerge as champions in the primary and secondary school categories, respectively. The one-day event showcased the burgeoning athletic talents of young athletes from sixteen different schools, eight each in the primary and secondary divisions, and underscored the commitment of the organizers to reviving track and field in Nigeria. The meet, sanctioned by the Lagos State Athletics Association and overseen by officials from the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, served as a platform for these young athletes to display their prowess and potentially become future representatives of the state and country.
St. Saviour’s School, Ikoyi, demonstrated their dominance in the primary school category, particularly in the relay events, accumulating a total of 214 points to secure the top spot. Grange School, while securing the secondary school championship, trailed closely behind in the primary school division, finishing in second place with 213 points. Lagos Preparatory and Secondary School rounded off the top three in the primary category with a commendable 152 points. The close competition between St. Saviour’s and Grange School in the primary division highlighted the high level of athleticism present at the games.
In the secondary school category, Grange School showcased a commanding performance, amassing a significant lead and finishing with 655 points. The International School Lagos followed in second place with 434 points, demonstrating their strong athletic program. Avi-Cenna International School secured the third position with 349 points, completing the podium finishers. The substantial point difference between Grange School and the other schools in the secondary division underlined their exceptional athletic capabilities and overall team strength.
The TASG garnered strong support from the Lagos State Sports Commission, with Director-General Lekan Fatodu, represented by Director of Sports Development Nunayon Travih, pledging their continued backing for the initiative. The commission acknowledged the importance of TASG in identifying and nurturing young athletes who could potentially represent Lagos State at the National Youth Games. The alignment of TASG with the commission’s talent discovery agenda further strengthens its commitment to fostering grassroots athletic development. The commission praised the organization of the games, recognizing its potential to develop world-class athletes.
Seun Akinbohun, the initiator of TASG, expressed immense satisfaction with the significant increase in participation in the second edition, with 912 athletes competing, almost three times the number from the inaugural games. This tremendous growth underscores the growing popularity and success of the initiative. Akinbohun emphasized the overarching goal of TASG, which is to provide a platform for children to showcase their skills and contribute to the revitalization of track and field in Nigeria. She highlighted the historical prominence of Nigeria in the Olympics and expressed the determination to restore the country to its former glory in athletics through initiatives like TASG, identifying it as a crucial stepping stone in discovering and nurturing exceptional talent.
The TASG stands as a testament to the dedication and vision of its organizers and the unwavering support of the Lagos State Sports Commission. By providing a competitive platform for young athletes, TASG contributes significantly to the development of track and field in Nigeria. The success of the second edition, as evidenced by the increased participation and high level of competition, promises a bright future for the initiative and the future of Nigerian athletics. The commitment to nurturing young talent and reviving Nigeria’s athletic prowess on the global stage positions TASG as a vital component in the country’s sporting landscape.
