The Lagos State Sports Commission and the organisers of the Africa School Games have resolved to strengthen their partnership for talent discovery and development in the state, following the successful completion of the inaugural edition of the games in Lagos.
About 11 schools in Lagos took part in the three-day tournament, which featured spirited competitions in swimming, athletics, and football in the U-11, U-13, and U-15 categories. The British International School hosted the inaugural edition with other schools like Grange School, St Savoiurs School, RiverBank School, Supreme Education Foundation, and Avi-Cenna featuring prominently.
The event was championed by sports enthusiasts, Dr. Seun Akinbohun, Dr. Busola Tejumola and Aderoju Ope-Ajayi, who envision a structured school sports ecosystem built on three pillars: continental competition, talent identification, and ecosystem building.
Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Lekan Fatodu, noted that the Africa School Games exemplifies the state’s resolve for talent development and inclusive scouting.
“We know that schools provide a better environment for talents to be discovered and nurtured. This is a private initiative, but during the course of the partnership, we did make sure that the path of inclusivity isn’t left out, so we have our public schools being part of this,” Fatodu said.
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“I am particularly impressed that the inaugural edition was successfully managed, and I am confident that the subsequent ones will engage more schools across the continent.”
The organisers also acknowledged the state’s effort in ensuring the success of the initiative.
“With Lagos State, we know of the Ibile Games and Governor Sanwo-Olu’s passion to drive youth empowerment through sports, and they have been amazing partners for us. Key endorsements came from Lagos State, and we are grateful for that,” one of the co-founders, Ope-Ajayi said.
Reflecting on the success of the inaugural edition, the organisers have also expressed their readiness to welcome schools from other African countries in subsequent editions.
“Absolutely, that is our plan. We will definitely have swimming, athletics, and football. Next year, we will be ready to host the whole of Africa in Lagos. We are ready for as many that can come.
Another co-founder, Dr Tejumola, also reiterated ASG’s goal of spotlighting talents across Africa.
“It’s good to see the competitive spirit, expertise and skills that the athletes have come with. Africa School Games is a continental competition and the goal is to create a structured sports ecosystem for talent identification and development in Africa.”
After three days of thrilling competitions, St Saviours were the overall winners in the U-11 category with 1042 points while Grange School won the U-13 category with 1168 points.
British International School and Grange School were tied in the U-15 category, sharing the top prize with 909 points each.