16th July, 2013
Youths from the 16 local governments in the western Nigerian state of Ekiti will on Wednesday commence a four-day talent hunt competition as part of the state government’s efforts at developing sports at the grassroots.
Benjamin Adewunmi, General Manager, Ekiti State Sports Council (EKSSC), disclosed this in Lagos today.
Adewunmi said that the competition would take place in three centres: Ijero, Ikere and Ikole, between Wednesday and Friday.
He explained that the grand finale would hold on Saturday at the Olukayode Stadium, Ado-Ekiti.
Adewunmi said that five local governments would compete at the Ijero stadium, while Ikere and Ikole stadia would play host to six and five local governments, respectively.
He said that the talent hunt competition would also serve as a buildup to the U-17 National Youth Games that would take place between Sept. 19 and Sept. 29 in Abuja.
“All the local governments will be competing in all the senatorial districts. This programme is for the discovery and development of new talents.
“This talent hunt programme is a way of reaching out to the grassroots and to groom athletes that will do us proud in future competitions.
“We need to ensure that we replace ageing athletes that will fill up the gap,” EKSSC boss said.
He said that Athletics, Table Tennis, Traditional Sports, Volleyball and Handball would feature in the talent hunt competition. (NAN)