The much-anticipated Classic Games 2018 slated to hold to on December 18, 19, 22 and 23 at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Indoor Sports Hall, Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, is to be deferred until a date in the first quarter of 2019.

The Games Director, Mr Macaulay Maduwuba, said the decision was reached after consultation with members of the Organising and Planning Committee and intended sponsors/partners. “The decision was taken considering some inevitable but resolvable challenges,” Mr Maduwuba said in a statement issued over the weekend in Lagos.

The reasons, according to him, include:

1. Complaint about number of days and lodging arrangements

2. Concerns for fatigue and optimal performance of participants after the National Sports Festival which ends just two days before the start of The Classic Games 2018.

3. Logistical bottlenecks and travel challenges of players from other parts of the country.

4. Delay in putting pen to paper by intended sponsors/partners

5. Recommendation from interested sponsors and partners.

“These factors were considered and decision for deferment reached to allow time for imperative concerns to be addressed,” Mr Maduwuba said.

He said the deferment “is on the premise of ensuring a good and proper tournament is organised for the enjoyment and satisfaction of all parties – players/participants, sponsors and partners, audience and spectators and the organisers.”

“This deferment may be of certain inconveniences to participants preparing in expectation for the tournament: for this, the Organising and Planning Committee sincerely apologises, and appeals for patience, calm, understanding and trust,” Mr Maduwuba further said.

Mr Ayo Akinfemisoye, member of Organising and Planning and Scrabble Coordinator, added: “In the face of prevalent circumstances, I think it’s the right decision to make. What’s worth doing is worth doing well.”

Mr Maduwuba assured that “the Classic Games will still hold,” adding: “Registrations are still valid. Participants who have completed registration still have their participation, valid.

“Nevertheless, participants who have completed registration and want a refund of the entry fee can request such via email or call.

“Meanwhile, registration is temporally put on hold until the first quarter of 2019.

“We sincerely apologise for the deferment of The Classic Games 2018 after so much preparation, anticipation and expectation for the most and best planned intellectual sports tournament with Chess, Darts, Draught and Scrabble.

“New dates will be announced in the first quarter of the coming year, 2019.”

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