The second edition of The Athletics Games will feature 16 schools consisting of eight primary and eight secondary schools, the organisers have announced.
Initiator of the event, Seun Akinbohun, says she is inspired to stage the second edition this year following the positive feedback of the maiden edition in 2024.
The first edition which was held at the Yaba Tech Sports Complex featured 11 schools—four primary and seven secondary.
“TASG began as a passion project for sports,” Akinbohun said.
“We’ve expanded the event to include more kids, age categories, and flexibility. I’m excited to bring the experience from the first edition into the second, with a larger technical committee and more experienced personnel.
“There are so many opportunities for kids in TASG, and I’m glad we are contributing to their development.”
The Lagos State Athletics Association-sanctioned meet is rapidly gaining recognition among schools, with more teams eager to participate in this year’s edition.
In addition to LSAA’s endorsement, TASG has received backing from the Athletics Federation of Nigeria and World Athletics.
“We hope to expand and include public schools in the future. It’s a work in progress, but we aim to bring public and private schools together for friendly competitions. We look forward to more support from the government and potential collaborations.
“I observed that the focus in Lagos had shifted predominantly to swimming competitions, leaving little opportunity for children interested in athletics. I decided to take action and create something meaningful. Growing up, I was deeply involved in track and field, and I wanted my children and their friends to have similar opportunities to showcase their athletic skills.”
Reflecting on the maiden edition, Akinbohun expressed her satisfaction with the experience.
“You never know what you can achieve until you try. The first edition was a great experience, receiving positive feedback from participating schools, officials, and technical advisers. It was fulfilling to see the children enjoy the games, remember the medals, and cherish the experience.”
