KADA 2009 27/2/2009


When the 16thNational Sports Festival, tagged "KADA 2009", came to a colourful end on Wednesday, there was little doubt that it had met some of the objectives that were set for it. Between February 15 and February 25, the government and people of Kaduna State delivered a celebration of sporting excellence that was outstanding for the quality of facilities, the keenness of competition, and the depth of hospitality and goodwill.



Given its success, it is ironic that "KADA 2009" actually emerged from somewhat inauspicious beginnings. The sports festival had suffered several postponements due to the inability of the organisers to get many venues ready in time, and there were widespread misgivings that many facilities would still remain unfinished by the new deadline. However, the Kaduna State government and the Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the games worked extremely hard to ensure that the games took off on the approved date.

"KADA 2009" was, indeed, a veritable festival of sport. Over 30 sports were on offer, from track and field events to traditional and special sports. Most events were characterised by intense competition, especially in team sports like football, volleyball and handball. The keen rivalry between many of the top sporting states added spice to the fierce contests that took place in the various venues spread across Kaduna.

Although Delta State came to "KADA 2009" as the hot favourites, other states like Edo, Ogun and Lagos were determined to give them a run for their money. In the end, Delta lived up to expectations, winning the highest number of gold, silver and bronze medals, in addition to producing the most successful individual gold medallist. Edo and Ogun states were second and third, respectively.

The outstanding achievement of Delta State is a testimony to the importance of proper preparation. Long before the commencement of the event, the state had embarked on comprehensive training programmes for its athletes, including training in South Africa. In addition, it had outlined a comprehensive reward system for those athletes who did well, and ensured that they got the best accommodation and training facilities available in Kaduna. It was therefore no surprise that sportsmen and sportswomen from the state were dominant in many events, and proved to be very formidable competitors.

But "KADA 2009" was not without its tragedies. About six people died in road accidents connected to the sports festival. Also, a kick-boxer representing Osun State collapsed and died shortly after a bout. In some sports arenas, there were disorderly scenes caused by alleged poor officiating and blatant favouritism. At the organisational level, there were some shortcomings in registration procedures and media coordination. Many of these challenges could have been easily overcome if the LOC of "KADA 2009" had liaised more closely with the organisers of the 15


thNational Sports Festival in Ogun State in 2006.


In spite of these shortcomings, "KADA 2009" will go down in history as a feast of sporting excellence in which Nigerians confronted one another in the best traditions of friendly rivalry. It was particularly engaging to see many athletes representing states other than those of their parentage, and doing so without any self-consciousness whatsoever.

In many ways, the 16


thNational Sports Festival in Kaduna has set a high standard that successive festivals would do well to emulate.