Bayelsa gears up for U-15 boys’ and girls’ athletics competition
By Uzor Odigbo
The Bayelsa State Athletics Association has finalized plans to host a one-day U-15 secondary schools athletics competition at the Samson Siasia Sports Complex, Ovom, Yenagoa, on Monday, March 23, 2026, starting at 8 a.m.
The meet, which will feature athletes in track and field events, will place greater emphasis on field events, including long jump, triple jump, high jump, shot put, javelin, and discus, which the state is perceived to be lagging behind in national competitions.
Young athletes will also be introduced to hurdles events, including short hurdles (typically 80m for boys and 75m/80m for girls at U-15 level) and 400m hurdles.
A statement signed by the association’s chairman, Dr. Kola Oredipe, and secretary, Mr. Tariye Jackson-Bidei, highlights the partnership with the Bayelsa State Sports Council, the Ministry of Sports Development, the Ministry of Education, and the Ministry of Youth Development.
According to the statement, invitations have been extended to interested schools across the state to participate in various events, including the 100m, 400m, and 800m for both boys and girls.
The association will also use the competition to select athletes for future National Youth Games.
In a related development, the Bayelsa State Athletics Association will host a three-day coaching clinic on high jump and hurdles techniques for interested athletics coaches.
The National Head Coach of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Retired DSP Solomon Aliyu—a former Nigerian hurdler—and the National High Jump Coach, Mr. Kola Adeboye, will be in Yenagoa to train the young Bayelsa athletes in these two events.
