Lagos Hosts Second Edition of The Athletics School Games with Expanded Participation

The second season of The Athletics School Games (TASG), sanctioned by the Lagos State Athletics Association (LSAA), kicked off Saturday at Yaba College of Technology, drawing 16 schools from across the state—a significant increase from the 11 institutions that participated in its debut edition. 

Pupils in elementary and secondary school categories are competing for medals, prizes, and bragging rights in the one-day tournament, which has quickly become one of Lagos’ most vibrant inter-school athletics events. Defending champions Grange School enter as favorites, aiming to retain their title amid fierce competition from rivals eager to claim the crown. 

Organizers Prioritize Athlete Development and Visibility
Technical Director of the LSAA, Funmi Otegbeye, highlighted advancements in this year’s event, including collaboration with World Athletics to upload official timings from select races to the global body’s website for record-keeping and scouting purposes. “We’ve improved on our 2024 groundwork,” Otegbeye said. “Technical officials are prepared, logistics are streamlined for real-time results, and we’re excited to welcome more schools embracing TASG’s vision.” 

Seun Akinbohun, founder of the initiative, reiterated its core mission: creating pathways for young athletes to showcase their talents and attract scouts. “TASG opens doors for these students,” Akinbohun noted. “This year, we’ve expanded age categories, added flexibility, and brought in a larger technical team to elevate the experience.” 

Future Goals: Inclusivity and Government Partnerships
While the current edition features private schools, Akinbohun emphasized aspirations to integrate public schools in subsequent seasons. “We’re working toward uniting public and private institutions in friendly competition. It’s a gradual process, but with government support and partnerships, we can broaden opportunities for all Lagos students,” he added. 

The event has already garnered attention for its role in nurturing grassroots athletics, with organizers hopeful that continued growth will cement TASG as a cornerstone for talent discovery in Nigeria’s sporting landscape.