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By Zika Bobby
Charlie Marie Academy has emerged overall champion of the second edition of the Gabriel Akinmade-Taylor (GAT) Memorial Sports Festival, clinching an impressive 30 gold, 23 silver and 15 bronze medals.
Higher Ground School followed with 4 gold, 9 silver and 11 bronze, while Charlie Marie School placed third with 2 gold, 2 silver and 2 bronze.
This year’s competition, held at the Charlie Marie Sports Arena, Eriyo Ogijo, featured eight participating schools, marking a significant expansion from the inaugural edition.
Speaking at the event, founder of the Charlie Marie Sports Arena, Evang. Adekunbi Akin-Taylor explained that the annual sports festival is held in honour of her late father.
She noted that despite the absence of sponsorship, *this year’s event* was larger and more engaging, with increased student participation and improved organisation.
According to her, the 2025 edition introduced several new features, including separate days for primary and secondary school contests, as well as preliminary games held a week prior.
The turnout, she said, was “much larger than last year,” and preparations were more thorough. “We made sure we drilled the children very well, and that is why the winnings were very high,” she added.
She emphasized the academy’s role in instilling discipline, responsibility, and purpose in its students.
“Sports sharpens their brains and makes them more intelligent. When children are engaged in structured training, they stay away from negative influences,” she said.
Six schools contested the football event, with knockout rounds concluded the previous week.
A major highlight was the introduction of a 3000-metre walk race, the first of its kind in the area.
Of all the girls who began the race, only Rachael Raheem completed it, while five boys crossed the finish line to produce the top three winners.
