Memory has come alive about the grassroots days that fast-rising Nigerian men’s 100m record holder, Kanyinsola Ajayi had at Yaba College of Technology, Lagos, as he is now motivating young talents at the same arena.
Sports247 reports that the flashback comes from the decision of a track and field youth develoment project, Athletic Heat, to honour Ajayi during its upcoming 10th Anniversary Meet, in which the men’s 100m event will officially carry his name.
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This means the men’s sprint will be tagged Ajayi Kayinsola 100m Showdown during the day’s activities on November 7th at Yabatech Sports Complex, where he took his early steps in athletics and produced some of his fastest early performances as a young athlete.
Ajayi recently returned to the venue for a special unveiling ahead of the anniversary meet and used the occasion to announce his personal donation of cash awards to the top eight finishers in the men’s 100m, which left Athletic Heat CEO, Ese Oguma beaming with delight.
Oguma acknowledged that Ajayi’s contribution is in recognition of his days of little beginning at the same arena, and eulogised the USA-based sprinter as a strong symbol about youth development, the values of present glory and hope for future feats in Nigerian athletics.
“I’m very happy to have Ajayi Kayinsola named after this event. Ajayi and I trained under Coach David Sule’s Arena Academy on this track. I’m glad to see how far he has grown. I didn’t see anyone else who could fit this title, not just because he is the national record holder.
“It’s because of his connection to this track. I would also like to say a big thank you for his donation, as there hasn’t been any competition in Nigeria in recent years where the Top 8 are awarded. So it’s a great development and a boost for the athletes,” Oguma noted.
Sports247 gathered further that the Athletic Heat 10th Anniversary Meet at Yabatech will bring together leading Nigerian athletes for a celebration of athletics and the organisation’s decade-long contribution to the sector.
