National Grassroots Sports Festival: Over 1,000 Athletes, 100 Officials Expected In Abuja

National Grassroots Sports Festival: Over 1,000 Athletes,100 Officials Expected In Abuja On Thursday By Niyi Busari The maiden U-18 National Grassroots Sports Festival billed to hold at the Packages A and B of National stadium Abuja starts from 20th and ends 29th April 2018; organiser of the tournament, Grassroots International Sports Academy and Elo-Pee Worldwide Television told BSNSports.com.ng. Bsnsports understands that registration for the championship is still ongoing where entry by name must be submitted to the Main Organising Committee (MOC). Though, the right of final acceptance of entries rest with MOC, however, only states sports councils and MOC accredited bodies and organisations are recognised to enter athletes in the NGSF. All entries must be made on a special entry form as approved by the MOC. Each participating state shall pay a participating fee of Ten thousand (N10,000) naira per athlete and official. The annual championship aimed at discovering and preparing sports talents and develop the future world champions for Nigeria will have a maximum of 20 sports to be feautured at the festival. NGSF kicks off on the 20th April 2018, and in collaboration with the Department of Physical and Health Education, Obafemi Awolowo University shall organise a seminar theme: "Redefining the future of sports development in Nigeria using Grassroots Approach" which holds at the VIP lounge Package A, National stadium Abuja. Some of the dignatries expected to grace the occassion include; Mr. Angelo Peter Elosia, MBKS-Chairman Grassroots International Sports Academy, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, Vice President Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bar. Solomon Dalung the honourable Minister of Youths and Sports Development among others. There will also be Festival Torch Relay movement through the states. Government of the States where the festival Torch will pass through shall be involved in the ceremony. Accreditation for athletes and accompanying officials commences immediately after the Delegates Registration Movement (DRM) and closes 12noon on the day of the opening ceremony. No requests for accreditation shall be entertained after that date. The states that place 1st, 2nd and 3rd on the overall medals table shall be awarded a trophy each while outstanding athletes discovered will represent Nigeria in an International games after several trainings.