📖 ABSTRACT/OVERVIEW
This study examines the role of local government authorities in the development and promotion of sports at the grassroots level in Orlu Local Government Area of Imo State, South East Nigeria. Sports development is increasingly recognized as a vehicle for youth engagement, talent discovery, community cohesion, and social welfare, yet local government investment in sports infrastructure, coaching, and competition organizing remains marginal across most Nigerian councils. The study employs a descriptive survey design, collecting primary data from 180 respondents including local government sports officers, athletes, school physical education teachers, sports association administrators, and community members. The Social Development Theory and the Sports Policy Framework provide the conceptual grounding. Secondary data includes the National Sports Commission policy documents, Imo State Sports Council reports, and recent academic literature on grassroots sports governance in Nigeria. Descriptive statistics and chi-square analysis are employed. Findings are expected to reveal that inadequate funding, dilapidated sports facilities, and absence of structured grassroots sports programs significantly limit talent discovery and youth engagement through sports in Orlu. Recommendations include annual local government sports endowment funds, rehabilitation of existing sports facilities, establishment of community sports academies, and formalized inter-council sports competitions as a tool for community integration in Imo State. Keywords: Sports development, local government, Orlu, youth engagement, Imo State.
Need Complete Chapters of the Above Topic?
Get high-quality, Zero-AI research materials with current citations.
Request via WhatsApp 💬