By Jude Opara, Abuja
In an effort to boost the operational effectiveness and overall performance of Nigerian athletes, the memorandum of the National Sports Commission (NSC) to have a fixed period for the National Sports Festival (NSF), as well as an affirmation of the rules to streamline the number of sports at the Festival has been approved by the National Council on Sports (NCS).
The two memoranda were presented at the Extraordinary National Council of Sports meeting, that took place on Wednesday in Abeokuta, Ogun State and were approved promptly.
In a communique signed by the Director General of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade, the NSC said that the Council gave its approval for the NSF to be held between November and December of the festival year.
A statement issued on Thursday by the S A Media to the DG, Kola Daniel said the decision was reached in order to align with international best practices, as it is essential to maintain a stable and predictable sports calendar for the traditional national competitions such as the NSF.
“A fixed period for the NSF would improve organization, participant engagement, financial and logistical efficiency, and marketing and sponsorship opportunities of the NSF.
“The Communique also stated that the Council reaffirmed its decision on Rule 11 (i), (ii), and (iii) of the 2024 National Sports Festival General Rules and Regulations, as reached at the Extraordinary Council Meeting held in Benin City, Edo State on Thursday, March 14, 2019.
“The Rule 11(i) stated that a maximum of 32 sports shall feature at the Festival (27 compulsory and 5 optional).
“Rule 11(ii) affirmed that the compulsory sports were selected based on their popularity in the 36 states, including the FCT, State entries in the sports in previous Festivals, and the standard of Nigeria’s participation in the sport at the international level.
“Rule 11(iii) stated that the Host State is at liberty to select a maximum of 5 sports out of the 25 optional sports to make up the 32 sports to feature ag the Festival”.
The statement added that the move will help stabilize the number of sports at the multisports event, to mitigate irregular changes that may affect management and organization of the Games.
While the Council commended the federal government for its dedication to developing sports in the country by establishing the NSC, it equally appreciated the Ogun state government for their commitment to hosting the 22nd edition of the NSF.
The 22nd edition of the sports fiesta also known as the will take place from May 18-30, 2025 in Abeokuta.
