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By Henry Umahi
It is said that all works and no play makes Dayo and Chidi dull boys. In other words, without physical activity, youths may miss the opportunity to learn new tasks, develop self-confidence, build character, garner self-control and persistence.
Put differently, “play” can positively impact on the academic performance, social skills, physical well-being (fitness and healthy weight), mental as well as emotional health of young people.
Richard M. Nixon, the 37th president of the United States, who served between 1969 and 1974, said: “I don’t know anything that builds the will to win better than competitive sports.”
Similarly, Douglas MacArthur said: “Sports teach the strong to know when they are weak and the brave to face themselves when they are afraid; to be proud and unbowed in defeat, and yet humble and gentle in victory; to master ourselves before we attempt to master others; to learn to laugh, yet never forget how to weep; and to give the predominance of courage over timidity.”
On account of the above, on February 29, SMA College held its annual inter house sports competition at the Moshood Abiola Mini Stadium, Jakande Estate, Oke-Afa, Ejigbo, Lagos. It was a fun-filled outing as parents and family members thronged the venue.
After introduction of chairman of the occasion and other guests, opening prayer, national anthem, school anthem, inter house sports speech by the sports’ prefect, chairman’s speech and games oaths, the events started. Interestingly, some schools were invited to participate in the competition.
The events included march past, orobo race, 100 metres boys and girls (junior, intermediate and senior), 200 metres boys and girls (junior, intermediate and senior), 400 metres boys and girls (junior, intermediate and senior), mixed relay (boys and girls), 4 x 100 metres boys and girls (junior, intermediate and senior), sack race for boys and girls (junior, intermediate and senior) and high jump (boys and girls).
Others were invited schools’ relay race (boys and girls), parents’ race 100 metres (male and female), male staff race 100 metres, female staff race 100 metres, old students male race 100 metres and old students female race 100 metres.
Some of the participants showed that the future belongs to them. They displayed fledgling talents that should be groomed for the future: catch them young.
Apart from the sporting activities, the match past was a beauty to behold. Having obviously gone through rigorous trainings or rehearsals, the participants put up a show that will be the envy of the military and paramilitary agencies. The various houses performed with the zest of professionals, determined to out perform the others. It was an outing to remember. In fact, memories are made of such.
No doubt, the event boosted the morale of the participants and made parents proud. One of the parents, who participated in the race, is on the same page with someone who said: “As a mama, I’m only ever going to be in one of three places. In front of my kids cheering them on, behind them to have their back, or beside them, so they never have to walk alone.”
Medals and trophies were presented to winners in various categories. The icing on the cake of fun was the participation of teachers and parents in competitive sports. King Henry said: “My mummy made us so proud. She came second in the 100 metres race and she got a gift.”
The event was well planned and executed. There was no glitch.
