By Chukwuma Umeorah
Educators and school administrators at Fit-Charis International School have called on the Nigerian government to revive grassroots sports initiatives, arguing that such a move is critical for the country to reclaim its past glory in global athletics.
Speaking at the biannual inter-house sports competition held in Lagos on Friday, the Director of the school, Olamide Ajayi, emphasized that the neglect of foundational sports programme has hindered talent discovery and development.
Ajayi said: «My major message to the Nigerian government is for us to go back to that grassroots catchment that we used to have in those olden days. Many of these talents were discovered from childhood and this is exactly what we intend to achieve by hosting this sporting activities for our children.»
He reflected on how accessible sports facilities once nurtured young talent during his childhood. He lamented that many of these spaces have been lost to urban development, urging community development associations to prioritize building sporting complexes in every locality to unearth hidden potential.
While long-term solutions still depend on increased investment from both government and private sectors, regarding infrastructure, Ajayi urged schools to make use of available public facilities. He argued that while academic excellence is a priority, “not all pupils and students will eventually end up being professors or lecturers. Some of them may have some sporting abilities locked up within them.”
On her part, the principal of Fit-Charis College, Olukotun Precious, underscored the indispensable role of physical activities in children’s mental and academic growth. Precious highlighted how sports serve as a counterbalance to academic rigor, enhancing both health and cognitive development.
She said: “It is very essential that a child should exercise. It helps their mental health in the sense that it reduces stress.”
She explained that physical exertion, such as the track events held that day, allowed students to burn calories, stay healthy, and alleviate the pressures of a demanding school term. Meanwhile, Precious directed her message to parents, some of whom hesitate to let their children participate in sports due to health concerns or perceived stress.
“We would advise that they do, at least, they should do things, exercise their body,” she said, suggesting that even children zwith health challenges could benefit from doctor-approved activities.
She pointed to the joy evident among students who had been active for over four hours without tiring, saying: “It makes them more aware of the growth and what they could do.”
The competition held at the sporting complex of Lagos State University (LASU) showcased various track events, including 25m races for toddlers, 50m and 100m for older students, sac race, parents race, alongside earlier-concluded field events like football and shot put.