Sports ministry to tackle ‘age cheat’ at National Youth Games —Dare

Sunday Dare, Minister of Youth and Sports has said they are putting in measures to ensure that athletes participating in National Youth Games in the country don’t cheat with their age.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the 6th National Youth Games held in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, the Minister said they will be carrying out adequate screening and ensure National Identity Management Card registration, to address issues of “age cheat” in the games.

Dare condemned some of the incidents witnessed at the games which is meant for athletes under the age of 15, adding that it may affect the growth of sports in the country.

He said;

“This document would be required, would be developed and we will work in conjunction with the Organisation in charge. This measure is needed to avoid losing out on a possible potential medalist being screened out as over-aged while they are not or vice versa.

“This is a crucial step in the initiatives that the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development has adopted to identify these talents early, give them the technical and financial support, provide them guidance and see them become world beaters in the not too distant future”