Association of Local Government Area Sports Coordinators has called for the revival of School Sports Festival in Kwara state, which, according to them, will comprise of primary and junior secondary schools, to enhance grassroots sports development.
The association made the call, during a courtesy call on the new Director of Sports at the Kwara State Sports Council, Coach Alarape Ibrahim Atanda, in his office, on Wednesday.
While congratulating the Director of Sports on his appointment, the Chairman of the association, Comrade D. F. Ayilara (Ifelodun Local Government) prayed Almighty Allah to grant the Director wisdom and knowledge to pilot the affairs of the Council.
He said the athletes, when discovered early, will rise to become world champions in their chosen sport.
The Director of Sports in his response commended the association for their support.
He thanked the state Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for the opportunity given to him, and promised to do all within his powers, to move sports forward in the state.
He also commended the Governor for the distribution of sports equipment to selected secondary schools in the state, a move which he says, will encourage grassroots sports development.
Coach Alarape said that 65 percent of participants at the Kwara State Sports Festival are students, pointing out that the importance of the Local Government Area Sports Coordinators cannot be overemphasized.
He further charged them to be more pro-active in their respective areas, and not rely on readymade athletes, even as added that the Council will do everything to support them technically.
Among the Coordinators who were part of the visit done in compliance with Civid-19 protocols are Coordinators from Ilorin South (Mallam A. Dasuki), Ekiti (Mr. J. O. Oyebode), Asa (Alhaji Salaudeen Shehu, Ilorin West (Gafar Ibrahim), Oke-Ero (S. O. Komolafe), Ilorin West (Alhaji Mohammed Usman), Oyun (M. O. Adekanye), Irepodun (Mrs. O. B. Ayodele) and Moro (J. S. A. Adetayo).
Also on Wednesday, some members of the Kwara State Baseball and Softball Association, led by Coach Jide Abidoye and Dr. James Asagunla, as well as selected members of the Kwara United Football Supporters Club, led by the Chairman, Alhaji Imam Moshood paid the Director of Sports, Coach Alarape Ibrahim Atanda courtesy visits, and prayed that he has a successful tenure of office.
