The Chairman, Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC), Sola Aiyepeku on Monday said Team Lagos at the 2022 National Sports Festival (NSF) was already in winning mood ahead of the kick off date.
Aiyepeku gave the assurance in a statement by the Director of Public Relations, Titi Oshodi-Eko, in Lagos after the state received the Torch of Unity at Alausa, Ikeja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 2022 NSF, to be hosted by Delta State, is expected to hold from Nov. 28 to Dec. 10.
The Lagos State Government on Sunday received the “Torch of Unity”, which symbolised the state’s readiness to compete at the sports fiesta in Asaba.
Oshodi-Eko said that the ‘Torch of Unity’ was received on behalf of the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu by the Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Olusegun Dawodu.
“The Commissioner was supported at the ceremony by the Chairman, LSSC, Aiyepeku; the Director General, Oluwatoyin Gafaar and other management staff of the commission as well as athletes who will represent the state at the 2022 NSF,” she said.
The Chairman, LSSC Aiyepeku said that the ‘Torch of Unity’ symbolised the importance of the sports fiesta.
“Team Lagos and the athletes are already in competition mood and ready to perform when the games commence.
“Lagos state has what it takes to win the biennial games,” he said.
Aiyepeku also commended Gov. Sanwo-Olu for providing enabling atmosphere for the LSSC to provide the athletes with necessary support and motivation to excel in their chosen careers.
Dawodu, who received the torch on behalf of the Governor, reaffirmed the commitment of the present administration to develop sports at the grassroots level.
He also assured that the state would compete favourably at the forthcoming games.
Dawodu also stated that Gov. Sanwo-Olu had and would continue to prioritise the welfare of the sportsmen and women.
“The state’s delegation will get adequate support from the Lagos State Government towards ensuring improved performance from the last edition of the Sports Festival,” he said.
The team captains, Ahmed Koleosho and Adijat Olarinoye, commended the management of LSSC for the support to the athletes.
“We promise to repay the LASG’s efforts by winning more medals compared to the ‘Edo 2020’ Games where Lagos won 126 medals- 32 gold, 40 silver and 54 bronze,” Koleosho said.
Oshodi-Eko said that the ‘Torch of Unity’ was presented by the delegation and representatives of the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, led by South West Zonal Coordinator, Emmanuel Okere.
He also urged the athletes to embrace unity.
