By Fred Ezeh
The proprietress of the Centagon International School, Abuja, Mrs. Orumenosen Omoluwa, has advocated increased attention in sporting activities in schools, saying it would complement the educational development of students.
She stated that regular sporting activities among children would play a vital role in their physical and mental development, particularly as some of them have sedentary lifestyle, which in most cases leads to obesity and other health challenges.
“Because we offer holistic education, which sports is at its root, we assemble these students periodically for them to let loose and enjoy the sporting activities. Interestingly, most of the students are interested in participating in one sporting activity or the other,” she explained.
Omoluwa, who spoke at the 2017 inter-house sports competition of the school at the National Stadium, Abuja, over the weekend, stressed that The Centagon International School, aside from its academic achievements, has consistently recognised the importance of sports in the complete development of students.
She said: “Many of the great and prominent sporting men and women in the world discovered their career in such inter-house sports activities, and we can’t but put in more effort and innovations to continuously inspire the children to seriously engage in sporting events.”
The proprietress also recognised the immense contribution of the teachers and other organisers who worked assiduously to introduce new things to the festival.
She stressed that, “Among the result of the secret effort of the organisers was the presence and full participation of athletes from seven schools in Abuja, competing in one track and field event or the other. This, obviously, was a total departure from what we had in previous years, and we would continue to improve year in, year out until we produce Olympic medalists.”
Principal and head of the school, Mr. Christopher Spring, maintained that sporting activities can’t be waved aside in the activities of schools, describing them as a veritable platform to develop the brains and physical fitness of children, leading to complete human development.
Spring said that though the annual sporting festival was still at its infant stage, they aim to build a stronger sport platform for students, to enable students develop a passion for sports and possibly make a great career in it.
Meanwhile, parents who in their numbers gathered at the National Stadium to witness the annual sporting event, were not disappointed as they were well entertained with different sporting activities, particularly track and field.
Dance performance, fashion display and drama were used by the students to pass a strong message of unity, love and oneness among all. They also appealed to parents and leaders to prioritise quality education of their children, in order to make them global citizens that would remain relevant in socio-economic discussions.
At end of all the sporting activities, Green Bee Eaters House with total score of 923 points in all games won the first position, Yellow Weevers House came second with 905 points, while Red Bishops and Blue King Fishers houses came third and fourth with 904 and 781 points respectively.