More than 1,600 athletes representing all 16 local government areas are expected to take part in the Kwara State Sports Festival, which will run from August 21 to 29 at the George Agbazika Innih Stadium Complex in Ilorin.
The Kwara State Sports Commission unveiled the event’s official logo and mascot while confirming that the festival will cover 28 sports. Each participating local government area may enter a maximum of 100 athletes.
Dr. Steve Olarinoye, chairman of the Local Organising Committee, said the actual starting field could be closer to 700 competitors, with the final figure dependent on the entries submitted by the councils.
Olarinoye added that preparations have passed the 60 per cent mark. The accreditation process is set to begin on Friday, August 21, ahead of the formal opening ceremony the following day.
Mallam Bola Mogaji, executive chairman of the Commission and head of the Main Organising Committee, said the competition is designed to support youth development, demonstrate Kwara’s sporting facilities and strengthen ties among the state’s local government areas.
Beyond the sporting programme, the week-long festival is expected to generate wider commercial benefits in Ilorin and elsewhere in the state, with hotels, transport operators, shops and vendors all positioned to see increased business.
