NSC, National Council on Sports approves 32 sports, fixed calendar for NSF

NSC, National Council on Sports approves 32 sports, fixed calendar for NSF

Abeokuta (basic reporter) in an attempt to improve the operational effectiveness and overall performance of the Nigerian athletes, the National Sports Commission (NSC) Memorandum towards a fixed period for the National Sports Festival (NSF), as well as a statement of the rules to simplify the number of sports at the Festival was approved by the National Sport Council.

Both Memorandum were presented to the extraordinary meeting of the National Sport Council, which took place on Wednesday in Abeokuta, in the state of Ogun and were approved accordingly.

In a press release signed by the general manager of the NSC, the Hon. Bukola Olopade, observed that the Council has given its approval for the National Sports Festival to be held between November and December of the year of the Festival.

The decision was reached in order to align with the best international practices, as it is essential to maintain a stable and predictable sports calendar for our traditional national competitions such as the National Sports Festival.

A fixed period for the NSF would improve the organization, the involvement of the participants, the financial and logistics efficiency and the marketing opportunities and sponsorship of the ENSF.

The press release also declared that the Council reiterated its decision on Rule 11 (i), (II) and (III) of the general rules and regulations of the National Sports Festival of 2024, as reached to the extraordinary meeting of the Council held in Benin City, in the state of Edo on Thursday 14 March 2019.

Rule 11 (s) declared that a maximum of 32 sports will be present at the Festival (27 mandatory and 5 optional).

The rule 11, paragraph II), stated that mandatory sports were selected on the basis of their popularity in the 36 States, including FCT, state voices in sports in previous festivals and the standard of Nigeria participation in Sport internationally.

The rule 11, paragraph III), said that the host state is free to select a maximum of 5 sports among the 25 optional sports to create the 32 sports to present AG the Festival.

This move will help to stabilize the number of sports at the Multisports event, to mitigate the irregular changes that can affect the management and organization of games.

The Council praised the federal government for its dedication to the development of sport in the country by establishing the NSC.

The Council also appreciated the state government of Ogun for their commitment to host the 22nd edition of the National Sports Festival.

The 22nd National Sports Festival, tagged Gateway Games, will take place from 18-30 May 2025 in Abeokuta, in the state of Ogun.