Sports Event to Serve as Trial for African Military Games in Abuja
The Defence Headquarters has announced that over 1,600 athletes will participate in the upcoming Armed Forces Games 2024, scheduled to take place in Kaduna from September 23 to 27.
Addressing the press, AVM Abidemi Marquis, Director of Sports at the Defence Headquarters and Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, revealed that the theme for this year’s event is “Enhancing Military Professionalism Through Sports.”
The event will feature competitions in 19 sporting categories, serving as a trial for selecting the best athletes to represent Nigeria’s Armed Forces in the African Military Games, set to be held in Abuja from November 18 to 30.
Marquis noted that Nigeria secured the hosting rights for the African Military Games 2024 from the Organisation of African Military Sports. He highlighted that the nation last had the opportunity to host the African Military Games 22 years ago, but due to security challenges, it couldn’t do so until now.
The CDS, who chose Kaduna to host the Armed Forces Games as part of efforts to boost the state’s economy, received appreciation from Marquis for Governor Uba Sani’s support in providing venues, including the Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Murtala Square, NDA, NAF Base, and a private range.
According to Marquis, 44 African nations have already expressed interest in participating in the African Military Games in Abuja. A scientific sports conference featuring presentations from scholars and sports experts is scheduled for November 17 and 18 at the Armed Forces Officers Mess in Abuja.
Members of the public interested in presenting papers at the conference can do so via the African Military Games website, with the submission deadline set for September 30.
Marquis emphasized the economic benefits of hosting the games, expecting over 3,000 athletes and officials to arrive in Abuja, which will contribute significantly to the country’s image and economy.
The Armed Forces Games will include sports such as volleyball, basketball, lawn tennis, golf, track and field, combat swimming, obstacle crossing, taekwondo, and kickboxing.
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