Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC) has promised to integrate the 10km Independence Day mini-marathon winners in Ikorodu Division into its athletes for the National Youth Games in Ilorin in October.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the National Youth Games holds from Oct. 10 to Oct. 19 in Ilorin, Kwara.
Gafar Bolowotan, Director, LSSC, gave the assurance on Friday at the 7th edition of the Ikorodu Mini-Marathon being organised by the sports commission for primary and secondary schools in the area.
NAN reports that the annual competition is being sponsored by Mr Sanai Agunbiade, Majority Leader, Lagos State House of Assembly, in honour of the Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Oba Kabir Shotobi.
Bolowotan said that the commission would continue to support the event, aimed at discovering talents at the grassroots.
He said that winners of the competition in the male and female categories would be equipped by the commission and integrated into its athletes for the National Youth Games to encourage them.
The sports director said that this year’s cash rewards for the winners had also been increased to attract more participants.
NAN reports that no fewer than 5,000 runners took part in the 10km race won by Lukman Ayinde from Ikorodu Grammar School, who returned a time of 44.43 seconds in the male category.
He won a cash prize of N50,000 for his efforts, while Rebecca Odufowokan won in the female category and got a cash reward of N30,000.
She returned a time of 49.34 seconds.
Speaking earlier, the assemblyman noted that the competition was organised to celebrate Nigeria’s Independence Day and to discover budding talents at the grassroots.
“The reason for this sporting event is to create awareness on the independence day in Ikorodu Division for people to know the importance of Oct. 1 in Nigeria’s history.
“In the last seven years, we started this laudable event with 92 athletes but now, it has increased tremendously.
“We have been discovering talents and also celebrating the Ayangburen for his love for the Ikorodu people,” Agunbiade said.
The majority leader commended the royal fathers for their support for the Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu-led government in Lagos State.
He cautioned the athletes from different schools in the division in particular and the state in general against the use of hard drugs and anti-social behaviours. (NAN)
