By Olayode Abdurasaq,
The National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), will for the first time, participate in the Research Institutes Games Association of Nigeria (RIGAN), scheduled to hold from 26th November to 5th December 2021.
NARSDA’s participation in the 17th edition of the games festival under the leadership of its new Director General, Dr Halilu Shaba, is true testament of his support towards the wider growth and development of the Agency.
Overwhelmed the Agency was breaking the jinx of non participation, NASRDA FC Coach, Mr Yapshak Joseph, saluted the Agency RIGAN Council members in the persons of Mr Olayode Abdurasaq and Mr Abubakar Adamu, for their tireless efforts in making this dream possible.
While appreciating the Director -General of NARSDA for his Sportsmanship, noted that “The struggle to participate in RIGAN is long overdue, and there is no right time than now.”
“We are ready for them this time; we will show them that we are really in Space to set the pace” Akeem Adewale NARSDA FC football Team Captain also stated.
The 10-day sporting events to hold at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, is being hosted by the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) Abuja, RIGAN President, Professor Owolade Oluwaferanmi.
According to RIGAN President, participating institutes will battle for trophies and medals in 12 sporting activities which included; football for Veteran men of 50 years and above; Volleyball, Athletes- digital and veterans of 50 years and above for men while women’s age is set at 45 years above.
Also to feature during the festival include Badminton, Table Tennis, Tennis, Squash – veterans and digital for men and women within the age bracket of 50 and 45 years, respectively.
Other sporting events on parade are Dart, Draught, AYO, Chess and Scrabble.
About 2,500 sportsmen and women from 30 research and development institutes across the country are expected to participate in the games.
The Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria, FRIN, Ibadan emerged the overall champions of the 16th RIGAN Games held at Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute, NIBRRI, in Sango-Ota, Ogun State with 20 Gold, 21 Silver and 22 Bronze medals.
20 institutes battled for honours during the 10-day festivals held two years ago.
