The Director of studies, Ferscoat International School, Ipaja, Lagos State, Pastor Felix Opata, has urged the government at all levels to create opportunities for talents which emerged from school sports from time to time in order to have great sports men and women that will represent the country at the world stage when it arises.
He stated this during the school 12th Biennial Inter-House Sports competition, themed: ‘Boosting Team Spirit Through Grassroots Sports.’ held at the Alade Sport Complex, Ipaja, at the weekend.
According to him, opportunities should be created for them to move from this level to the state level and also national level.
“I am sure competitions at levels like this brought up people like the sports icon we have in the country and I am sure the likes shall be discovered here today.”
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He also called on parents and corporate bodies to continue to assist schools through sponsorship of sporting activities like inter-house sports being organized by the school.
“I also appeal to all tiers of government to encourage sports in schools through various sports competitions because that is the only way talents can be hunted for the nation,” he said.
Appreciating parents and guests at the event, Opata said their presence showed their interest in the all-round development of their children and wards. “I have no doubt that your children will be at their best knowing you are here.
He added that sports is an essential part of the schools co-curricular activities which provides for the physical well-being of the learners. “For a child’s development to be total and complete, sports must be encouraged at all levels.
“For this reason, the Ministry of Education in line with the National Policy on Education ensures that sporting activities as this are organized not only within the school but amongst schools and colleges within and outside the zones.
“It will not be an overstatement when I say that it is only in sports that Nigerians speak with one voice which helps in cementing the unity and progress of the country and also provides financial rewards to our sports men and women in Nigeria and diaspora.
To the athletes, the DOS explained that there are lessons and attributes of life to learn from, from the sports’ competition because life is said to be tough.
“In life as well as in sports, you need determination when times are tough. Life needs to be completed whether you are losing breath or not therefore no matter the outcome, you must take it in the spirit of sportsmanship.
Also speaking at the event, the sports icon at the event, Mrs. Falilat Ogunkoya Osheku urged the government and private sectors to work hand in hand for the development of sports in the country.
“The President of Nigeria, Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu needs to address the private sector on the need to support sports in the country. It is not that they don’t have the money but they want to know how their money will be managed, they want accountability,” she added.
She advised the students who might want to go into any of the sports activities in future to be determined because it is not an easy job but with hard work they will excel in whatever sport they venture in.
Earlier in his remarks the chairman of the day, Engr. David Chukwuemeka commended the school for their continuous support for sport through the biennial inter-house competition which he said help to build a total child.
He also stated that engaging the students in sports activities not only help curtail indiscipline but help them to make use of their energy in a positive way as well as build their self-esteem, foster spirit of team work and the opportunity to have a better view of the world and life in general.
The Principal of the school, Mr. Fredrick Opata in his remarks said there is an improvement in the inter-house sports competition since the last one held in 2022.
He added that the school went back to the drawing board and improve on the last event because as a school they always want to develop on their strategies and always want to ensure things get better.
At the end of the keenly contested competition, Green House came first, Cream House second and Purple House came third.
BV.
