The Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC) has launched a statewide talent identification exercise across secondary schools as part of preparations for the maiden edition of the National Intermediate Games, which the state will host later this year.
The initiative, which began with a Secondary School Sports Fiesta at the Tolu Secondary School Complex in Ajegunle, attracted students from public and private schools competing for places in Lagos’ Under-18 team.
Athletes were assessed in athletics, chess and scrabble, with the competition serving as the first phase of a broader selection process aimed at assembling a formidable team to represent the state at the national championship scheduled for October.
Director of School Sports at the Lagos State Sports Commission, Dr. Oluyomi Oluwasanmi, said the exercise reflects the Commission’s commitment to discovering sporting talents from schools across the state rather than relying solely on athletes already within organised sports associations.
She explained that outstanding performers from the trials would be integrated into the state’s existing Under-18 talent pool before undergoing further screening ahead of final selection.
“The Secondary School Sports Fiesta is designed to reach every part of Lagos and identify young talents within our school system who can strengthen the state’s teams for the National Intermediate Games,” she said.
According to Oluwasanmi, additional screening exercises will be held across the state to widen the talent pool before intensive camping and training begin.
“Our goal is to ensure that by September, Lagos has strong teams across all approved sports for the Games,” she added.
Also speaking at the event, the Commission’s Director of Sports Development, Mr. Nunayon Travih, encouraged participants to seize the opportunity to showcase their abilities, describing the trials as a pathway to representing Lagos on a national stage.
He noted that the selection process combines athletes discovered through school competitions with those already identified by the state’s sports associations to ensure the best talents emerge.
“This is your opportunity to prove yourselves. We want the best athletes to wear the Lagos colours at the National Intermediate Games, and that begins with giving your best during these trials,” Travih said.
The National Intermediate Games is expected to bring together young athletes from across the country, with Lagos aiming to build competitive teams capable of excelling on home soil.
