2018 NYG: 2,973 Athletes Register, 382 Screened Out As Team Delta Emerges Overall Winner

2018 NYG: 2,973 Athletes Register, 382 Screened Out As Team Delta Emerges Overall Winner By Niyi Busari Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Olushola Olushade stated unequivocally that a total of 2,973 athletes were registered by the 32 states on the conclusion of Delegation Registration Meeting (DRM) which took place in Abuja from August 28th to September 1st. From the above figure only 2,712 were presented for screening exercise which took place at the Multipurpose Hall of the University of Ilorin from 7th to 9th September, 2018. After the screening was conducted 382 athletes were screened out of the game, a number that represented 14% of the registered athletes. He expressed dissatisfaction over the development as it shows propensity of states involved to engage in age cheat as 2,330 athletes participated and competed for 33 sports that feature in the 2018 National Youth Games. "A total of 2,973 athletes were registered by the 32 states on the conclusion of Delegation Registration Meeting (DRM) which took place in Abuja from August 28th to September 1st 2018, of this figure 2,712 who were presented for the screening exercise which took place at the Kwara state Multipurpose Hall of the University of Ilorin from 7th to 9th September 2018, 382 athletes were screened out of the game which represented 14% of the registered athletes." He frowned at the development as it portrays the desperation of states to win at all cost. "This development is worrisome as it shows the propensity of states involved to engage in age cheat. 2,330 athletes actually participated and competed for 33 sports that feature in 2018 National Youth Games." To reduce the mistakes of physical screening he added that the Sports ministry is working on bringing on board a scientific screening device that will aid the screening committee in a peaceful, easier and successful screening exercise. "In order to ensure that age cheat is reduced to minimal level the ministry will secure the services of YSFON to assist in the screening of the athletes that feature in this year's NYG. The ministry will give consideration to scientifically based verification process in order to strengthen the screening process and minimise human errors that could arise. The Permanent Secretary of the sports ministry thanked University of Ilorin management staff, added that he was happy for the success of the game.