UI To Host 45 Oyo Schools In Relay Race Contest

The sports complex of the University of Ibadan is set to host 45 schools for the 4th Edition of the Lagelu FM Inter-Secondary School Relay Race.The students, not above 14 years, will be converging on the sports complex, on November 18, to compete in 4X100metres race, 4X400metres race and mixed relay race.General Manager (Operations), Lagelu/Splash FM, Mr Tunde Olawuwo, made this disclosure while addressing journalists at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Liberty Road, Ibadan, on Tuesday.


Decrying that the event failed to hold last year due to COVID-19, Olawuwo said that this year’s event was the radio station’s commitment to finding talented runners among secondary school students in Oyo state.Announcing that a screening exercise is to be held two days before the November 18 event date, Olawuwo said the organizers will not hesitate to disqualify any school that presents a student that is more than 14 years old.


This is as he added that any athlete who had represented the state, at any level, even if below 14 years, is ineligible to participate in the event.Speaking further, Olawuwo announced that one Taofikat Sulaimon, who participated in the event in 2017 and had won medals for Oyo state at various national and international games, will be specially recognised at this year’s event.


South-West Zonal Coordinator of the Federal Ministry of Youths and Sports, Mr Femi Ajao assured that officials of the Ministry and those of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) will be on the ground to look for talents that are trainable.


Ajao further assured of technical support, saying timing and sanctioning of the event will be done in line with standards of the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF).He stressed the importance of an early start to sports career, urging parents to be quick to identify and help develop talents in their children or wards.


Director of Sports Administration, Oyo Ministry of Youths and Sports, Mrs Adegoke Olubisi, in her remarks, assured that the state government was ready to absorb into the state’s athletics team, talents that are discovered from the Lagelu FM relay race.


Another event partner, Mrs Romoke Ayinde of Kayrom Lee Gym and Fitness Centre, bemoaned age cheats and athletes consuming drugs to boost performance.