FG Considers Returning To 17 Years As Age Qualification For National Youth Games
ASABA – The federal government has said it would review the age classification for the National Youth Games from age 15 to under 17.
This followed an appeal by the Delta State Governor, Elder Sheriff Francis Oborevwori to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to review the National Youths Games age from U-15 to U-17.
According to the governor, it would help young talents to quickly migrate from junior category to senior category of Team Nigeria in all sporting activities without creating any vacuum.
He said the Delta state government is proud to partner with the Federal Ministry of Youths and Sports Development to ensure the goals and objectives of the event are realized.
Responding, President Tinubu while declaring open the 8th National Youth Games in Asaba, Delta State said the Federal Ministry of Youths and Sports Development would review and reconsider reverting to the initial 17years old age classification for the youth games.
The president who was represented by the Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Enoh urged the coaches and athletes to eradicate age cheating in sporting activities in Nigeria.
Tinubu also lamented that sports played a vital role in wealth creation and job opportunities to Nigerian youths for them to become self-reliant and promote peace and unity among Nigerians.
It could be recalled that the National Youths Games was initiated by the former president Goodluck Ebele Jonathan in 2013.
It’s a multi-sporting event organized by the Federal Ministry of Youths and Sports Development for the 36 state athletes from the 36 states and Federal Capital Territory Abuja.
The aim of organizing the event is to help young athletes showcase their talents in sporting activities. It also helps in identifying athletes that will represent the country in All African Games and Olympics.
