Organisers of Amuwo Games 2021 in Lagos on Saturday said the mini sports festival would help foster peace, promote development and create jobs, particularly for youths in the community.
They made the assertions at the opening ceremony of the games at Festac Town in Lagos on Saturday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the ongoing mini sports festival will hold every weekend this month, between Nov. 6 and Nov. 28.
About 600 athletes, representing eight teams, will compete in 17 games including, football, athletics, swimming, volleyball, cycling, basketball, tennis, chess, scrabble and five-aside.
The teams include Festac Sharks, G.R.A. Rhinos, Festac Unicorns, Mile-Two Hawks, Extension Dolphins and Festac Bulls.
The Convener of the games, Mr Seun Ayeni, said the aim of the event was to foster unity in the community, promote youth development and sportsmanship in every sphere of life.
“We’re going to see some form of youth development through sports and youth empowerment through the things sports can do for them,” he said.
Ayeni commended the sponsors and supporters of the event for their role in ensuring that the third edition held.
Mrs Mojisola Alli-Macaulay, Lawmaker representing Amuwo Odofin Constituency 1, Lagos State House of Assembly, said the bi-annual games would promote grassroots sports development.
She added that it would also help discover new talents, skills, create job opportunities and employments.
Alli-Macaulay, who is also the sponsor of Festac Sharks, urged the youth to take advantage of the opportunities provided by the organisers and put all their energies in making the nation great again.
Mr Valentine Buraimoh, Chairman, Amuwo Odofin Local Government (AOLG), said the mini sports festival had helped to keep the youths engaged.
According to him, AOLG is the only local government in Nigeria that organises a mini Olympics.
“Our youths have channelled their energy positively that is why we are enjoying peace in Amuwo Odofin,” he said.
Buraimoh pledged the council’s support in partnering with initiatives geared towards discovering new talents. (NAN)
