Ondo State Adopts Niger Delta Games Scouting Policy

Ondo State has announced plans to domesticate the Niger Delta Games scouting framework, adopting a policy that will see coaches deployed to villages and local government areas to discover young talents.

The initiative, according to the state’s Commissioner for Sports, Hon. Segun Omoyofunmi, will ensure continuous talent discovery beyond the Games.

Speaking after the conclusion of local government trials ahead of the state trials scheduled for next Monday, Omoyofunmi directed that coaches and organising secretaries be posted to zonal offices to sustain the ‘catch-them-young’ policy.

‘Zonal offices are to be made functional to enable the discovery of more young athletes who will continue to make Ondo State proud,’ he said.

The Commissioner, who also heads the State Liaison Committee for the Games, expressed satisfaction with the screening exercise conducted by the organisers, noting that all athletes presented were cleared.

‘This screening has been an eye-opener for the management, coaches and other officials of the Ondo State Sports Council to work beyond the Niger Delta Games by harnessing the potential we are seeing here.

‘I have attended all the Niger Delta Games trials and screening venues with my committee, and I can boldly say that we are truly blessed with an abundance of talent in Ondo State,’ he added.

The screening, held at the Ondo City Stadium, featured about 400 athletes across boxing, table tennis, volleyball and athletics. The 2nd Niger Delta Games will take place in Edo State from February 20 to 27, with Ondo, Delta, Abia, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Cross River, Bayelsa and Edo States competing for honours.