By Uzor Odigbo
Following the need to mitigate the occurrence of over-aged athIetes in some of Nigeria’s age group competitions, a thorough screening method has been suggested to eradicate the age-long practice.
Eyoto Sports Academy President Chief Dr. Felix Idahosa said with large population of young talented youth in Nigeria, it is imperative that proper attention be paid to obtaining athIetes true ages during competitions henceforth to avoid mistakes of the past.
Chief Idahosa who is also the Spokesman of Eyoto sports Academy Executives plan to host the 5th edition of Eyoto U-15 AthIetics Competition in December 5 – 6th 2024, Benin City.
He added that thorough screening of AthIetes before competition will create fair competitions and usher in healthy development in young talents. This will also prolong the length of years athletes will stay active in sports.
He stressed that if officials compromise athIetes age limits in sports development, the effect would be dire as their counterparts in other countries would still be active while they suddenly drop out, critical examples are many.
This year’s edition of Eyoto U-15 athIetics competition would be one of the best as cash prizes and number of schools participation have been push up to accommodate more young talents in Edo State and environs.
He also announced that Deaf Sports and partially sighted athletes will be part of the competition as usual