The Play With Kwara Youths initiative has attracted 513 applications within three days for its 5th edition, marking a 24 per cent increase from last year’s 415 participants.
The sports and unity programme, which started with just 47 participants in its first edition, has now expanded beyond Kwara State borders, drawing applicants from neighbouring Oyo, Osun, Ogun, and Kogi States.
In a report signed by the initiative Technical Assistant on Friday, all 16 local government areas in Kwara submitted applications, with Ilorin West dominating the list with 232 applicants, representing 45.2 per cent of the total entries.
Ilorin East followed with 72 participants, while Ilorin South recorded 34 applicants. Moro Local Government contributed 30 participants, Ifelodun 24, and Asa 21.
Other councils showed strong representation: Offa attracted 18 applicants, Oyun and Irepodun recorded 17 each, Baruten 13, Edu 11, and Ekiti nine. Patigi, Isin, and Kaiama registered seven participants each, while Oke-Ero had six applicants.
The initiative recorded 456 male applicants (89%) and 57 female participants (11%), indicating significant room for improved female participation in future editions.
Football emerged as the most popular sport with 370 participants choosing the game, representing 72 per cent of total applications. Ludo attracted 46 players, Table Tennis drew 41 participants, while 35 applicants opted for the Special Team category designed for less strenuous creative games. Scrabble recorded 21 registrations.
First-time participants dominated the applications, with 302 new entrants representing 59 per cent of the total, while 211 returning contestants made up 41 per cent.
Social media proved the most effective awareness channel, bringing in 204 applicants. Friends and family referrals accounted for 181 participants, previous PWKY events attracted 92 applicants, community discussions drew 22 participants, while school and university networks contributed 14 applications.
The initiative has shown exponential growth since inception, jumping from 47 participants in the first edition to 137 in the second, 251 in the third, 415 in the fourth, and now 513 in the current edition—a tenfold increase.
Organisers set the jersey payment at N7,500, payable between October 17 and 21, 2025. Only participants registered for Table Tennis, Ludo, or Special Team must make immediate payments, while football participants should await email notification before paying.
Payments go to Account Number 8106710901 (Basheer Luqman Olarewaju, OPAY), with receipts forwarded to WhatsApp 08106710901 for confirmation.
“This diverse turnout embodies our vision of unity and inclusivity among Kwaran youth and beyond. We are excited about the regional appeal PWKY has garnered,” the organisers stated.
The initiative has transformed from a local youth engagement programme into a regional sports platform attracting participants across five states in Nigeria’s North-Central and South-West zones.
