Just when you thought Monopoly’s day in the sun might be over, the Lagos State Sports Commission announces the board game as an official sport in order to ensure the “true essence of Monopoly as an entertainment sport is captured and promoted among sport enthusiasts in the State!” And just in time for the Olympics. Do you think one day Monopoly players will march amongst the Olympic athletes to compete? We might not be at that point quite yet. Here’s the official announcement ceremony:
Monopoly is now an official Lagos sport @MMWithNimi @dejitinubu @bestmangamesltd #LaunchofMonoply2016 @folicoker pic.twitter.com/m7dtidpRUL
— Babafemi Oretuyi (@Opetuyii) August 5, 2016
So what does all of this mean? According to the CEO of Bestman Games, Mrs. Nimi Akinkugbe, the company began “training 100 teachers from 100 Lagos schools for the championship.” That’s right, they’re training students to participate in a Monopoly championship.And we’re not saying that we know the best way to win at Monopoly at Geek and Sundry, but we have more than a few tips for anyone looking to take home the gold in this event.
Does that mean there’s a Monopoly class in school now? Monopoly tests? The Under-17 Monopoly Championship coming up will feature 2000 players from 100 schools across the country. So, this is kinda like the Olympics in Lagos.
Akinkugbe goes on to say that “it is appropriate that this historic Tournament in which we expect to beat a world record should take place on the grounds of Teslim Balogun Stadium in Surulere which is the landmark of Monopoly Board.” Well, hey that actually is pretty cool. Looking to celebrate the announcement? But wait! There is even more exciting news. There’s now a City of Lagos Edition of Monopoly:
The City of Lagos Edition of #Monopoly is the First #African City Edition. #BestmanGames
— Bestman Games (@bestmangamesltd) August 6, 2016
Congratulations Lagos! Can’t wait to see what your version of Boardwalk and Luxury Tax are.
What other games should be an official sport? Let us know in the comments!
Featured Image Credit: Monopoly / Facebook