The Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC), headed by Dr. Kweku Tandoh, has expressed it’s gratitude to the Executive Governor of the state, His Excellency Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for giving Team Lagos the much desired supports that enabled the athletes performed excellently to emerge overall second place at the 5th National Youth Games in Ilorin, Kwara State.
Team Lagos against all odds won a total of 72 medals which consists of 22 gold, 36 silver and 14 bronze, to place second behind eventual champions Delta State that 41 gold, 32 silver and 31 bronze medals.
Ilorin 2019, was Lagos second time of taking part in the National Youth Games that had its first edition in 2013.
At their first outing in the Youth Games in 2018, Team Lagos finished second place.
At the 2019 edition, Team Lagos, was adjudged the best in the March Past and was given an award of commendation in this year’s NYG.
The Chairman of the Lagos Sports Commission, Dr. Kweku Tandoh, said at a brief reception organised for the team after the closing ceremony at the Multipurpose hall of the University of Ilorin: “We cannot do this without the support we received from our Executive Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who had ensured that we lack nothing before, during and after these Games.”
He added: “The Governor has been so wonderful towards sports in Lagos since he assumed office on 29 May, 2019 and we are so much grateful for the moral and financial backing he has been given us,” he said.
Tandoh also congratulated the athletes for putting up a good outing in the competition which was held between 7 and 17 September, adding that those who won various medals and others who did not win are all winners. He was so happy that the athletes were good ambassadors of Lagos State.
To the coaches, officials and other team delegates from Lagos to the 2019 NYG such as the association secretaries, welfare, drivers, medicals, Public Affairs Unit and others, the Executive Chairman applauded their contributions towards the state’s success in Ilorin.
“We want to thank the Almighty God for a very successful participation by Team Lagos at the 5th National Youth Games in Ilorin. There is so much to thank God for; the successes recorded by the athletes, journey mercies, His protection, good health etc etc etc. Indeed we give God all the glory. We appreciate the support of our dear Governor, H.E. Babajide Sanwo-Olu and say a big thank you to His Excellency.
“We want to say a big thank you to everyone that has contributed to this Team success; athletes, coaches, secretaries, coordinators, medical, welfare, transportation, media, unit heads and their staff, departmental heads and their staff, Board Members, Sports Association Chairmen and their Members.
“Let me also personally thank my Director General, Alhaji Toyin Gafaar, for his hands-on approach, commitment and dedication to the cause. The success belongs to all of us and is as a result of Team Work. We must all continue in this same spirit to ensure even greater success for the Sports Commission as we forge ahead to achieving a Greater Lagos through Sports. God bless us all and once again, congratulations,” he said.