Lagos:Organisers of the Pan African School Games are prioritizing academic and sporting opportunities for young Africans, rather than focusing solely on medals and trophies. The second edition of the Games is set to take place from October 16 to October 18 at James Hope College, Lekki.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the organisers, Dr. Seun Akinbohun, Dr. Busola Tejumola, and Aderoju Ope-Ajayi, emphasized that the vision of the games is to provide a platform for young athletes to discover opportunities that will shape their sporting and academic futures. They noted that renaming the event from Africa School Games to Pan African School Games reflects a broader vision to create an African-owned sporting ecosystem.
The inaugural edition attracted 11 schools and over 300 student-athletes, setting a foundation for growth. The upcoming edition is expected to see increased participation from more schools. However, the organisers stress that the focus remains on maintaining competition quality and providing a rewarding experience for all athletes.
The organisers acknowledge the challenges of staging a multi-sport event of this scale, including funding, logistics, and technical requirements. To address these, a model based on sponsorship, strategic partnerships, and institutional support has been adopted to ensure sustainability and reduce reliance on single funding sources.
Educational partnerships have been established with international schools, including McCallie School in the U.S. and several UK-based schools. These collaborations aim to provide scholarships, educational placements, and athletic development opportunities for exceptional participants. Corporate partners and stakeholders, such as Prime Atlantic and Flutter wave, are also backing the event.
The Games plan to expand beyond Lagos, with participation from schools in Kenya and Ghana anticipated for the 2027 edition. This expansion aims to strengthen the Games’ position as a Pan-African competition, promoting cultural exchange and unity across African nations.
Organisers highlight that the greatest prize for participants will be the confidence, exposure, and connections they gain, rather than just a medal or trophy. The Games aspire to help young African athletes transform their talents into lifelong opportunities.