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Athletes from the
south-west states of Oyo, Osun, and Ondo, have intensified preparations
ahead of the Special Olympics Nigeria (SONigeria) National Games
scheduled for September at the University of Lagos Sports Complex.

The states, which
will be representing the south-west region at the championship, have
been preparing to be in top shape for the championship which will also
serve as the selection point for the nation’s contingent to the 2011
World Summer Games holding in Athens, Greece. With support from the
State Universal Basic Education Board, the Oyo State government has
organized a four-day training camp for the nine athletes expected to
represent the state at the tourney in Lagos. Commenting on the
preparations of its contingent for the games, the Oyo State
Commissioner for Sports, Joseph Makanjuola, said: “The state is poised
for a good outing in Lagos. Our target is to cart away many gold medals
in table tennis, badminton and athletics and top the medals table.”

Also, the coordinator of Osun and Ondo States, Kehinde Ogunbiyitan,
believes the 17 athletes from the two states will prove a point at the
games. “The preparation of Osun and Ondo teams for the national games
is to a great extent at the peak,” he said. “Osun will present 12
athletes, while Ondo has five. Osun is targeting at least five gold
medals, while Ondo is targeting at least three gold medals.” While Osun
is banking on events like 100metres, badminton and female soccer, Ondo
State which will be giving full sponsorship to its athletes as
incentive, is eyeing top honours in table tennis, shot-put, discuss and
the walking events.