*Olarinoye commends AbdulRazaq, Mogaji, Kwarans for support
The Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the 8th Kwara State Sports Festival has submitted its comprehensive report on the successful staging of the festival to the Kwara State Sports Commission.
The report, which was formally presented to the Executive Chairman of the Commission, Coach Bolakale Adisa Mogaji, at the Commission’s office, provides a detailed account of the activities leading to, during and after the festival.
Presenting the report, Chairman of the LOC, Dr Steve Olarinoye, expressed appreciation to the Executive Governor of Kwara State, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, for providing the leadership and support that made the festival possible.
Olarinoye also commended Kwarans for their support and cooperation, as well as the Executive Chairman of the Kwara State Sports Commission, Coach Bolakale Adisa Mogaji, for giving members of the committee the opportunity to contribute to the successful organisation of the state’s biggest grassroots sporting event.
According to him, the report goes beyond documenting the activities of the festival, as it also captures the experiences and lessons learned from the organisation of the event.
He explained that the document contains observations, challenges encountered, lessons learned and recommendations designed to improve the planning and execution of future editions of the Kwara State Sports Festival.
Olarinoye said the LOC considered it important to leave behind a comprehensive record that could serve as a reference point for subsequent organising committees and ensure that the gains of the 8th edition are sustained and built upon.
He thanked members of the committee for their commitment, sacrifice and professionalism throughout the assignment, noting that the successful completion of the festival was the result of collective effort.
Also speaking, a member of the LOC, Hon. Hameed Adio Oly, attributed the success of the festival to the cooperation received from the Kwara State Sports Commission and the dedication of members of the LOC.
Adio described the committee as a team that worked as a family, saying members remained committed to their responsibilities despite the demands and challenges associated with organising a major multi-sport event.
He described the Kwara State Sports Festival as more than a sporting competition, stressing that it provided a platform for young people from the 16 Local Government Areas of the state to come together in unity, love and togetherness.
According to him, the festival demonstrated the power of sports to promote friendship, healthy competition, discipline and social cohesion among young people across the state.
Responding, the Executive Chairman of the Kwara State Sports Commission, Coach Bolakale Adisa Mogaji, thanked the LOC members for what he described as a job well done.
Mogaji expressed satisfaction with the quality of work delivered by the committee and said he had no regret assembling what he described as some of the best hands to serve on the LOC.
He commended the members for their commitment, teamwork and willingness to put the success and integrity of the festival above personal interests.
The Commission Chairman noted that the submission of the comprehensive report was an important part of the process of institutionalising the gains of the festival, as it would provide useful insights for planning subsequent editions.
Other members of the LOC present during the presentation included Dr Umar Jaja and Mr Duro Sani.
The 8th Kwara State Sports Festival brought together athletes and officials from the 16 Local Government Areas of the state, providing young talents with an opportunity to compete, showcase their abilities and build relationships across local government boundaries.
The successful completion of the festival and the submission of the LOC report have therefore, provided both a conclusion to the 8th edition and a foundation upon which future editions can be planned and improved.
