The 22nd National Sports Festival will spotlight young talent through an innovative Invited Junior Athletes (IJA) program, announced Hon. Bukola Olopade, Director-General of the National Sports Commission.
In an interview with Tobi Ajewole, Olopade revealed that the IJA initiative aims to bridge grassroots and elite athletes. “Ninety percent of IJA athletes are youth games champions,” he stated. “A single bronze medal could propel them to elite status, unlocking athlete grants for the 2026 Commonwealth Games and 2028 Olympics.”
Olopade underscored the Commission’s dedication to elevating sports development, vowing to push the sector to unprecedented heights through such forward-thinking programs.