Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has inspected ongoing rehabilitation works at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Surulere ahead of the maiden National Intermediate Sports Festival scheduled to hold in Lagos in October this year.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, who led a working tour of the facility inspected the main football and athletics arena, indoor sports hall, volleyball court and swimming pool.
According to the Governor, the state government began a strategy about three years ago to rebuild about ten stadia across Lagos simultaneously, including facilities in Surulere, Ifako, Badagry, Epe and Agege.
He said the main bowl of the Teslim Balogun Stadium was undergoing major reconstruction, with the football pitch being upgraded to FIFA standard and the natural grass already laid, noting that the tartan track is expected to be completed within the next four to six weeks.
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Governor Sanwo-Olu said Lagos State accepted the opportunity to host the first National Intermediate Sports Festival after the National Sports Commission handed it the hosting rights, describing the event as an opportunity to strengthen grassroots sport development and encourage young athletes to remain in the country.
While expressing satisfaction with the work done so far, the Governor said about 14,000 to 15,000 athletes are expected to participate in the competition, with other facilities, including sports centres across the state, to be used.
He expressed confidence that the Teslim Balogun Stadium and other venues would be ready to international standards before the October competition, adding that the swimming pool and other outstanding works would be completed within the stipulated period.
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(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
