The Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC), on Friday, said the registered young and vibrant athletes for the 2023 National Youth Games in Asaba were ready for the challenge.

The director of public relations, LSCC, Titi Oshodi, told journalists in an interview upon the arrival of the contingent in Asaba that the team was in high spirit.

“We are doing well as we have arrived Asaba for the games which will officially commence tomorrow,” she said.

Athletes and officials of Team Lagos arrived Asaba, Delta, on Thursday ahead of the 7th National Youth Games.

The contingent is led by the management staff of the Lagos State Sports Commission and lodged at Dennis Osadebe University.

4,500 athletes from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, are expected to participate in the youth’s sports fiesta, which features no fewer than 35 sports.

Screening, accreditation and technical meetings continue today, while the opening ceremony will hold on Saturday at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba.

Mrs Oshodi said Lagos State would be represented by 299 athletes and compete in 33 individual and team sports events.

The National Youth Games is for athletes who are 15 years and below.

“We are with the hope of improving on the team’s second placed finish at the last edition,” she said.

The Director-General, LSSC, Oluwatoyin Gafaar, charged athletes and officials to reflect excellence during the 7th National Youth Games.

He also urged the athletes to give their best while assuring that the state government would continue to support talents to reach the pinnacle of their careers.

“We have advised our athletes to please stay away from drugs, and also coaches should put in more efforts to ensure that Lagos surpasses previous achievements at the games.

“Lagos State will compete fairly with eligible athletes and consolidate on the progress made by the state through various grassroots development programmes and talent discovery initiatives.

“Our athletes are within the stipulated age and so we expect that Lagos will do well at the Games,” he said.

Team Lagos finished second behind Team Delta with 72 medals at the last edition of the games held in 2021 in Ilorin, Kwara.

The 10-day fiesta will end on Sept. 30.

 (NAN)