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The 11th All-Africa University Games
The 11th All-Africa University Games officially began in Lagos on Saturday with an opening ceremony at the University of Lagos Sports Centre.
Universities from 43 African countries have converged on the University of Lagos and the Lagos State University, marking the first time two universities will jointly host the games.
It’s the second time Nigeria will be hosting the competition in 20 years after the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauch, played host to the rest of Africa in 2004.
The motto of the 2024 Games is ‘compete, unite, and excel’ and was officially declared open by the president of the Federation of Africa University Sports, Ashraf Sobhy.
The Vice-Chancellor, UNILAG, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, and her LASU counterpart, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, charged the athletes with the spirit of sportsmanship and also promised to make the edition a reference point in the history of the games.
“This collaboration between our schools to host the games is symbolic. It is symbolic of the Africa that we want,” UNILAG VC, Ogunsola, said.
“We mark great collaboration, team spirit, the spirit of Africa, and we also mark the youth of Africa who will take us forward.
“So I’m going to ask you to compete with the best you have in you and do it with friendship.”
“This event underscores our common history and celebrates Africa’s unity in diversity. I look forward to seeing our teams in thrilling contests and outstanding sportsmanship,” LASU VC Olatunji-Bello also said.
“The FASU Games remind us that no matter our cultural differences, we can all come together in the spirit of fair play and mutual respect.”
President of the Nigeria University Games Association, Mohammed Bawa, also said, “To the athletes, this Games was last hosted in Nigeria 20 years ago, so you are making history by being part of this event again. Sports is no longer an extracurricular activity; it has become a trade on its own that requires as much attention as you give your academics. This is a bedrock for you to start.”
The Games will feature 17 sports as UNILAG will host football, cricket, swimming, basketball, handball, and tennis while the indoor games will be held at
LASU.
