YabaTech Set to Host Third, Expanded The Athletics School Games Edition
Since its launch in 2024, The Athletics School Games (TASG) has quickly established itself as one of Nigeria’s most credible grassroots platforms for track and field, reports the News Agency of Nigeria.
Created by Dr. Seun Akinbohun and registered with World Athletics, the annual competition was designed to nurture talent among children aged four to sixteen.
Now entering its third edition, TASG is set to return bigger and better, with Yaba College of Technology hosting the two-day event from March 20–21. More than 20 schools are expected to compete across sprints, middle distance races, and field events.
What sets this edition apart is its expanded format and sharper focus on athlete development.
For the first time, primary school events will be separated from secondary school contests, allowing for more races, improved scheduling, and better recovery time for athletes. Technical officiating, timing systems, and event coordination have also been upgraded to meet higher standards.
Beyond competition, TASG continues to serve as a platform for talent discovery, offering young athletes exposure and pathways to future opportunities in athletics.
A core pillar of the Games remains the promotion of sportsmanship and character development. Through its sportsmanship drive, TASG emphasizes respect, fair play, and positive conduct on and off the track.
This commitment is reinforced by the Kashopefoluwa Sportsmanship Award, presented to athletes and schools that exemplify integrity, discipline, and respect during the competition.
Organising TASG has not been without challenges. Funding and sponsorship remain major hurdles, with much of the event self-financed.
Infrastructure limitations also persist, as equipment and venues often have to be independently sourced.
Yet Akinbohun’s passion for youth sports development has kept the project alive, with each edition refining the structure and impact of the Games.
Reflecting on the journey so far, Akinbohun noted that TASG has achieved many of its objectives: promoting athletics among school children, providing a competitive platform, and discovering emerging talents.
Participation has grown steadily, enthusiasm among young athletes has surged, and the wider athletics community has taken notice.
Highlights of this year’s edition include the introduction of new events such as the 400m hurdles in the senior secondary category, enhanced officiating, and broader participation from schools.
Importantly, TASG remains strictly schools-based, with clubs and academies excluded to ensure the focus stays on strengthening inter-school sports programmes.
