Beyond the Niger Delta Games: Ondo Moves to Sustain Village-to-State Sports Scouting
Ondo State has taken a decisive step towards long-term sports development by domesticating the Niger Delta Games scouting framework, reinforcing its commitment to grassroots talent discovery.
Following the conclusion of local government trials ahead of the state trials billed for next Monday, the Ondo State Commissioner for Sports, Hon. Segun Omoyofunmi, announced that the state will now consistently scout for talents in villages and across all local government areas.
Under the new directive, coaches and organising secretaries will be deployed to all zonal offices to sustain the state’s “catch-them-young” policy. According to the Commissioner, the zonal offices will be fully activated to ensure early identification and nurturing of young athletes capable of bringing pride to Ondo State.
Hon. Omoyofunmi, who also chairs the State Liaison Committee for the Niger Delta Games, expressed satisfaction with the screening exercise conducted by the organisers’ committee, noting that all screened athletes were successfully cleared.
He described the exercise as an eye-opener for sports administrators and coaches, stressing that the discoveries made should be harnessed beyond the Niger Delta Games. The Commissioner added that his consistent presence at all trial and screening venues further confirmed the abundance of sporting talents across the state.
The screening, held at the Ondo City Stadium, featured about 400 athletes competing in boxing, table tennis, volleyball and athletics.
The Niger Delta Games will take place in Edo State from February 20 to 27, with Ondo, Delta, Abia, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Cross River, Bayelsa, Imo and Edo States. set to battle for podium honours.
