The Kwara State Sports Commission has unveiled the official logo and mascot for the 8th edition of the Kwara State Sports Festival, with about 700 athletes expected to compete in the week-long multi-sport event.
Sports247 reports that the unveiling took place on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at the Conference Room of the Kwara State Sports Commission, Ilorin, ahead of the festival scheduled for August 21 to 29 at the George Agbazika Innih Stadium Complex.
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Athletes from the 16 Local Government Areas of the state are expected to participate in 28 sporting events, with each local government allowed to field a maximum of 100 athletes across the various competitions.
Speaking with journalists, the Executive Chairman of the Kwara State Sports Commission and Chairman of the Main Organising Committee, Mallam Bola Mogaji, commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for creating opportunities for young people through sports.
Mogaji also appreciated the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and the chairmen of the 16 local government areas for their support for youth and sports development in the state.
Reflecting on the history of the National Sports Festival, Mogaji recalled his participation alongside Governor AbdulRazaq and Hameed Adio as athletes representing Kwara State. He explained that the revival of the state sports festival in 2000 was intended to sustain the competition as a biennial event.
According to him, the programme later experienced a gap due to the renovation and construction of sporting facilities at the George Agbazika Innih Stadium Complex.
He added that the return of the festival would provide an opportunity to showcase the newly improved facilities, identify sporting talents, celebrate the diverse cultures of the state and promote unity and togetherness among residents.
The Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Dr. Steve Olarinoye, assured that preparations were progressing smoothly, saying more than 60 percent of the work had been completed.
Olarinoye confirmed that approximately 700 male and female athletes are expected to participate in the festival.
Accreditation of athletes and officials is scheduled for Friday, August 21, while the opening ceremony will take place on Saturday, August 22, 2026.
The festival is expected to provide a platform for emerging athletes to compete, gain exposure and potentially earn recognition for future representation of Kwara State at higher levels.
