SOUTHWEST ZONAL ELIMINATION FOR BALL GAMES COMMENCES ON WEDNESDAY

In preparation for the forthcoming 7th National Youth Games (NYG) organized by the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Abuja, a 3-day Zonal Elimination Competition for ball games, will commence on Wednesday 16th August, 2023 at the Ilaji Hotel and Resorts, located at Ona Ara Local Government Akanran.

The Permanent Secretary of the Oyo State Ministry of Youth and Sports, Mrs Olubukola Oladipo made this known to newsmen in Ibadan today.

According to Mrs Oladipo, the Zonal Elimination Competitions will involve all the South Western States of Nigeria namely: Lagos, Ondo, Ogun, Oyo, Osun and Ekiti, stressing that the athletes will compete in nine team ball sports which consist of Basketball, Beach Volleyball, Handball, Hockey, Football, Rugby, Baseball/Softball and Cricket.

She stated further that all the six states in the South West Zone made entries to participate in various Sports adding that “a total of Six hundred and eighty six athletes will participate in the competition while eighty five officials were registered”.

The Permanent Secretary disclosed further that “In line with the rules and regulations of the National Youth Games two (2) teams are expected to qualify in each sport which comprises of male and female for final proper in Asaba, Delta State later in the year."

The screening of the under 15 athletes will take place at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Liberty Road, Oke Ado Ibadan. The 3-day Zonal Elimination competitions will end on Friday, 18 August, 2023.

The 7th National Youth Games (NYG) is scheduled to be held in Asaba, Delta State, from 7th to 17th September 2023 for the under 15 athletes across the federation.