2026 WORLD SCHOOL GAMES: SANWO-OLU HOSTS VICTORIOUS LAGOS ATHLETES

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… Highlights Lagos Commitment To Foster Sports Development Within Academic Curriculum

… Presents Plaque To Victorious Athletes

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Wednesday hosted student-athletes from six Lagos schools that delivered a historic, medal-laden performance at the 2026 World School Games Olympia in Doha, Qatar.

Recall that the team dominated U-11, U-13, and U-15 categories in athletics, football, and swimming, including top wins by St. Saviour’s and Grange School. Students from St. Saviour’s School, Grange School, Riverbank School, British International School, Lagos Preparatory & Secondary School, and Corona School participated in the games.

The World School Games took place in Doha, Qatar, from January 29 to 31, 2026, where Lagos schools achieved a significant medal haul.

In his remarks, the amiable governor highlights the Lagos State Government’s commitment to fostering sports development within the academic curriculum.

While celebrating their record-breaking performance, Sanwo-Olu also admonished the students to exhibit discipline and excellence to achieve bigger records in life.

In his words, “We will ensure that the Lagos State Sports Commission design something with your schools. We’re not going to obstruct or disrupt your learning curriculum. Where can we work something with your schools? And see how we can also design inter-school competition locally here before you can go international.

“See, what we’re doing is that we’re telling the world that something different is happening in Lagos. I’m sure there are so many other schools that would have wished that they had participated, and they’re here to come and celebrate with us, but they’re not. There are other schools that are going to be coming behind, and guess what? They want to come and compete with you. And they want to defeat you.

“So you cannot relax now. You can’t say to yourself, ‘Because I’ve won medals at Qatar World School, that’s the best’. No, that’s not the best. You’re just starting, and at this age, you have a lot to learn. You have a lot to discipline yourself in. You have a lot to learn from your coaches. How well will you feel if you’re on the podium and having a handshake with Mr. President? Or if you’re on the podium and you’re shaking hands with some of the best athletes in the world?

“I’m sure these are some of the things your parents want. But I know that even with this, your parents will still want you to be academically outstanding. You want them to be able to strike a proper balance between sports and academics. So you also still owe them that responsibility. While sports are liberating, and dignifying, your parents also want you to be outstanding in your academic work. They want you to be an all-around student who will do well in sports and also in academics.

“So you need to be able to say to yourself, ‘I am going to be the best in whatever field I choose for myself. And what I’m going to charge the Lagos Sports Council is to see how we can domesticate some of this activity, to see how we can actually push to ensure that we support you in all the competitions that we can fund and we can finance”, he concluded.

Speaking earlier, the Director-General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Lekan Fatodu, commended the athletes for their resilience, discipline and dedication.

He noted that their achievements reflect the success of ongoing efforts to develop grassroots sports and position Lagos State as a hub for Sporting Excellence.

“We are profoundly proud of every Athlete, Coach, School Administrator, and parent whose collective efforts produce a remarkable impact”, he added.