The Edo State Government has unveiled a grassroots sports talent discovery initiative tagged “Discovering Tomorrow’s Stars” as part of activities marking the 2026 Children’s Day celebration.
The programme, organised by the Edo State Sports Commission under the leadership of its Executive Chairman, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, is aimed at identifying and nurturing young sporting talents across selected schools within the Benin City metropolis.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by his Media Aide, Edoko Wilson Edoko, Enabulele disclosed that 20 selected schools would participate in the talent hunt programme, with 10 athletes of mixed gender representing each school in various sporting events.
According to him, the initiative aligns with Governor Monday Okpebholo’s grassroots-driven sports development vision under the SHINE Agenda.
“When we assumed office, we were handed a mandate to go to the grassroots and ‘Catch Them Young,’ in line with the Governor’s vision. This is exactly what we intend to achieve with this project,” Enabulele stated.
He revealed that a total of 270 athletes are expected to compete in eight sporting events, including Athletics, Judo, Karate, Kung Fu, Wrestling, Taekwondo, Boxing, and Kickboxing.
Enabulele explained that Athletics would feature the highest number of participants with 200 athletes, while the seven combat sports would each feature 10 athletes.
He added that all participating athletes would receive certificates of participation to encourage youth involvement in sports and promote grassroots sports development.
The Executive Chairman further disclosed that 45 technical officials had been deployed to ensure the smooth conduct of the programme, including 10 officials for athletics and five officials each for the seven combat sports.
The “Discovering Tomorrow’s Stars” initiative is one of the strategic programmes of the Commission aimed at uncovering fresh talents capable of representing Edo State and Nigeria in future national and international sporting competitions.
The event is scheduled to commence on Thursday, May 21, 2026, by 9:00 a.m. at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City.