Over 500 students from schools across Lagos State and its local council development areas converged at the University of Lagos Sports Centre Stadium for the inaugural United Athletes Series, a one-day track and field event aimed at discovering and nurturing young athletic talent.
Organized by Culture Rush in partnership with School Games, the Lagos State Sports Commission, and the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (LASUBEB), the championship showcased the potential of primary school athletes in a bid to strengthen grassroots sports development.
The event featured spirited competitions in the 100-meter, 200-meter, 400-meter, 4×400-meter relay, and long jump events for both boys and girls. Athletes displayed remarkable enthusiasm and sportsmanship, captivating spectators and organizers alike.
The initiative, according to Adeyemi Egbeoluwa, the event’s chief organizer, was designed to identify talents early and provide a pathway for their development to compete on national and international stages. Egbeoluwa emphasized the importance of starting talent development at the primary school level, a practice he noted is common in countries with strong athletic programs. “What we’re witnessing today is the U-13 version because we want to catch them early,” he said. “We plan to expand to U-14, U-15, and U-16 categories and establish an academy to train these young athletes to become world-class competitors.” He also commended the Lagos State Sports Commission and LASUBEB for their support, expressing optimism about making Lagos the athletics hub of West Africa.
Dr. Mrs. Oluyomi Oluwasanmi, Director of School Sports for Lagos State, praised the championship as a vital step toward integrating education with sports. She assured that the state would sustain such initiatives to foster grassroots sports growth. Similarly, Tijani Tajudeen, Education Secretary of Lagos Island Local Government, and Hon. Babatunde Adewale Jimoh, a LASUBEB board member, lauded the event as a promising platform for athletic development, pledging continued support.
The young participants expressed gratitude for the opportunity to compete with peers from across the state, with many urging organizers to make the series an annual event. The day concluded with certificates and medals awarded to winners, celebrating their achievements and fueling their aspirations.
This championship marks a significant step in Lagos State’s commitment to nurturing young talent and positioning itself as a leader in African athletics.