The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, has disclosed a significant challenge at the ongoing 22nd National Sports Festival, known as Gateway Games 2024.
Although the event was initially organised to cater for 9,040 athletes, organisers are now feeding in excess of 11,000 competitors.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday at the festival’s Media Centre in Ogun State, Mr Olopade expressed satisfaction with the event’s progress despite the unexpected surge in numbers.
“We accredited 9,040 athletes, but we are currently feeding over 11,000 athletes,” he revealed.
The increase in participants has presented logistical difficulties, particularly with regard to athlete welfare and the feeding programme — an area that has troubled past festivals.
However, Mr Olopade confirmed that standards have improved significantly this year. “In the last 20 years, this is the first festival where athletes can get to their hostels and immediately have access to meals,” he said proudly.
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The festival has benefitted from close collaboration with local institutions such as Sagamu and Babcock University, which have helped to maintain high standards despite the increased demand.
“With joy and pride, I can say things are going well with hostel and feeding. I just returned from Sagamu and Babcock University; the standard is very high,” added Mr Olopade.
The Gateway Games have also delivered high-quality sports contests across multiple disciplines, showcasing some of the country’s best young athletes.
“The basketball game between Kaduna and Niger was top-notch,” Mr Olopade remarked.
“Niger vs Kano in handball was superb too. I even saw three London-based boxers representing Kaduna. That alone demonstrates the kind of improvement we’re seeing.”
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The festival has also provided a welcome boost to the local economy, spurring increased commercial activity. “We’ve sold over ₦10 million worth of Adire fabrics already, and vendors are even complaining of a shortage of supply due to the high demand,” Mr Olopade noted.
“Hotels are fully booked throughout the festival. I’m sure they already know how much they are going to make, these are the benefits of hosting such a festival; it opens more doors for business opportunities.”
The festival features over 35 sports, including athletics, swimming, wrestling, and team sports, with scouts and national coaches in attendance.
