Gymnastics Federation set for 3rd North Central regional ‘Catch Them Young’ Festival in Abuja

The grassroots development festival, themed “Building Bridges, Renewing Hope for the Future Generation,” is aimed at discovering young gymnastics talents, expanding participation at the grassroots and establishing a structured pathway for children and youths to progress from basic participation to competitive and international levels.

The event is scheduled to take place at the Package B Gymnasium Complex of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, with activities commencing at 10am.

A major focus of the initiative is the establishment of gymnastics clubs in public and private schools across the region, creating a structured environment where young athletes can receive basic training while being identified for further development and potential international opportunities.

The organisers have structured the development pathway into three stages, Foundation, Development and Advancement, to ensure participants can progress according to their abilities and level of preparedness.

At the Foundation stage, children will be introduced to gymnastics through fundamental skills, fun, fitness and grassroots participation. The Development stage will then focus on technical training, skill progression, talent identification and integration into established gymnastics clubs.

The Advancement stage is designed for athletes who demonstrate greater potential, providing opportunities for advanced training, competitive preparation, elite development and national and international exposure.

Beyond the sporting activities, the festival is expected to feature talent discovery, school and club development, talent schools, capacity building, strategic partnerships and inclusive participation.

The initiative brings together major institutions and stakeholders in sports administration and gymnastics development in Nigeria and Turkey, reflecting the organisers’ intention to combine grassroots participation with technical expertise and international collaboration.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is listed as the special personality for the programme, while NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko and Director General Bukola Olopade are among the Nigerian sports administrators associated with the festival.

Also listed are Nigeria Olympic Committee President Habu Gumel and Gymnastics Federation of Nigeria President Prince Olumide Oyedeji, alongside Turkish Ambassador to Nigeria Mehmet Poroy and Turkish Gymnastics Federation President Suat Celin.

The involvement of the Turkish Gymnastics Federation provides an international dimension to the programme, particularly in technical development, talent identification, training opportunities and athlete exposure.

The organisers say the festival is aligned with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, while its emphasis on school-based gymnastics clubs is intended to provide a sustainable grassroots structure for identifying and nurturing young athletes.

The programme also seeks to position gymnastics beyond competition by using the sport as a platform for physical fitness, character development, youth engagement and talent discovery.

By bringing together schools, clubs, coaches, sports administrators and international partners, the initiative is expected to strengthen collaboration around the development of young gymnasts and create clearer progression routes for emerging talents.

With the North Central region as the immediate focus, the third edition of the Catch Them Young Festival represents another step in the federation’s grassroots development drive and its stated ambition of taking gymnastics closer to young Nigerians.

The September 26 gathering in Abuja will therefore provide an opportunity to introduce more children to gymnastics while identifying athletes with the potential to advance into structured competitive sport and, ultimately, represent Nigeria on bigger stages.