Organisers of the National Youth Games (NYG) Southwest zonal elimination, say more than 800 athletes have converged on Osogbo, Osun for the games.
Mrs Evelyn Fabunmi, zonal coordinator, said on Friday that the athletes and officials arrived in the state on Thursday.
Mrs Fabunmi said the athletes were all screened on arrival to ensure over-aged athletes do not participate in the games.
“As the games began today, I went round and the participating states complied with the rules and regulations of the games,” she said.
She said that the accommodation of the athletes was paid for by the athletes’ states, with the host state assisting them to book or make reservations.
“The host state arranges the hotel accommodation but the participating states pay for their accommodation, likewise the states arrange their own caterers to provide feeding,” she said
Mr Rotimi Dumoye, General Manager, Osun Sports Council, said the number of athletes expected for the games exceeded the number of athletes and officials expected.
“We were expecting 800 athletes and coaches but to our surprise we have a figure that exceeded our expectation.
“This development was a problem on the issues of securing accommodation for the athletes and officials yesterday but the issue would be sorted out.” he said
He appreciated Governor Ademola Adeleke and his Deputy, Mr Kola Adewusi, who is also the Commissioner for Sports, for giving the council the opportunity to host the games.
He said hosting the games would go a long way to help the state improve on its sporting facilities, and also to enhance the athletes performances.
The National Youth Games will be held from September 10 to 20, in Asaba, Delta.
(NAN)
