NATIONAL SPORTS FESTIVAL
This is the festival of my dream, says Olopade
As the Games begin at the 22nd National Sports Festival, tagged Gateway Games 2024, after a colourful and spectacular Opening Ceremony, the Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olapade, has met with state delegates, assuring them of a groundbreaking event that will set new standards in the history of the games.
The entire sporting community in the country and beyond were thrilled with a spectacle embedded with a rich cultural display laced with world-class performances from the likes of Davido and Asa as the Games began with an Opening Ceremony of a world-class standard.
In his address, Olopade highlighted core values such as love, focus, discipline, and unity as the essence of the National Sports Festival.
He emphasized that the festival will not only be a celebration of sports but also a testament to integrity.
“Let medals be won with honour, not by crooked means,” he admonished, stressing the importance of fair play and true sportsmanship.
The DG salutes the unwavering support and backing of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his personal interest in Nigerian Sports, which has led to the current transformation going on in Nigerian Sports.
” We are where we are today revamping, reshaping and resetting our Sports ecosystem because of the vision of Mr President, the father of the country. He is why the National Sports Festival is now wearing a new look of world-class standard, and we will continue to thank him”.
He also lauded the Chairman of the NSC, Mallam Shehu Dikko, for his unwavering dedication to the success of the festival.
“Mallam Dikko has shown immense commitment and love for this project. That spirit must be cascaded down to every athlete and official,” he said.
Olapade expressed profound gratitude to the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, for his tremendous support in mobilising resources and empowering all stakeholders
He described the games as “a festival of modern times,” ready to place Ogun on the national and international sports map.
Welcoming all participants to the state, Hon. Olapade concluded emotionally, “Welcome to my story — a game I bid for, a journey that has my name written all over it.”
With anticipation building, Ogun 2024 is shaping up to be a landmark edition of the National Sports Festival — one that celebrates not just athletic excellence, but unity, passion, and the enduring Nigerian spirit.
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Never before has the National Sports Festival featured 38 teams. This makes the 2024 edition, taking place in 2025, the biggest ever as the Gateway games begin this Sunday.
The 36 states are joined by the Federal Capital Territory and another assembly of Invited Junior Athletes (IJA) who make up the 38th competing team.
The past two days have witnessed the arrival of teams. This Sunday evening, the skies of Abeokuta will be ignited as fireworks and the lighting of the games’ cauldron are expected to be the high points of the potentially best opening ceremony in history.
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As part of the 22nd National Sports Festival, themed Gateway Games 2024, a landmark Scientific Congress will be held from Monday, May 19 to Tuesday, May 20, aimed at advancing sports science and enhancing athlete performance across Nigeria.
Organized by the Local Organising Committee (LOC) in collaboration with the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), the two-day Congress brings together a diverse group of sports scientists, researchers, practitioners, and policymakers. The goal: to share cutting-edge knowledge, foster interdisciplinary collaboration, and shape the future of sports through science.
This high-level gathering serves as a vital platform for showcasing evidence-based practices and innovations that enhance training, performance, recovery, and overall athlete well-being. By translating research into practical application, the Congress aims to significantly improve athletic outcomes and reduce injury risks.
“The Games Scientific Congress is more than just a conference—it’s a catalyst for innovation and progress in sports science. By aligning science with practice, we can unlock new levels of performance and safeguard the health of our athletes,” said Dr. Ayo Omotayo, Director General of NIPSS.
As the National Sports Festival continues to celebrate sporting excellence, the Games Scientific Congress reinforces the importance of research and science in driving long-term athletic success and community health.
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NATIONAL SPORTS FESTIVAL
City Under the Rock, Abeokuta, presents Olumo Rock and others as places to visit at the Gateway Games 2024
The Gateway Games 2024 is set to go full swing even as the Gateway State opens its gates to many tourist centres.
Most have been revamped ahead of the 22nd National Sports Festival. Olumo Rock, a prominent landmark in Abeokuta, was temporarily closed for renovations to accommodate the event.
Gateway to the famous Olumo Rock
From Olumo Rock to the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) and various sports venues within the state, all are receiving facelifts to welcome visitors arriving this weekend for the games, which kick off on Friday, May 16, at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex in Abeokuta.
Olumo Rock offers historical and cultural significance and stunning views, while OOPL, dedicated to former President Olusegun Obasanjo, provides insights into his life and presidency. The library also features a park for wildlife viewing and conservation efforts.
Cities like Abeokuta, Ijebu-Ode, Sagamu, Ota, Ibafo, Agbara, and other towns offer a glimpse into the state’s rich culture and way of life. Renovations at Olumo Rock are already advanced, ensuring the tourist centre meets international standards for visitors attending the sports festival.
Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has promised top-class tourist facilities for all visitors coming for the games.
“We planned to shut down most of our tourist centres to put them in good shape for the games. We are not just hosting, but we also want to showcase our rich cultural heritage and warm hospitality to all our visitors. We aim to host one of the best sports festivals, hoping it will positively impact our economy as well,” he said.
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