With the growing need to embrace sports and build team spirit among children in the FCT, schools have been advised to provide opportunities to shape and empower children from a young age.
The call was made during the Annual Inter-House Sports Competition of the Our Unique Children Model Academy in Lugbe, Abuja, in collaboration with M.J Salasi International Schools at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.
Speaking at the event, which was marked by displays of several sports activities, seasoned educationist and proprietress of the school, Dr. Gladys Ekwueme Okoro, said the inter-House Competition aims to portray the schools’ sustained efforts in giving children relevant orientation while promoting core-curricular activities in schools.
“Today, as we collaborate to organise this competition, we are wearing two caps,” she said. “This event serves as an excursion for our students to explore the main world of sports in the heart of Abuja.”
“And also it serves as an opportunity for them to display their unique skills in sports. our main target is to teach our children collaboration, team spirit, focus and a drive for success in life.”
While applauding parents and teachers for their commitment in encouraging their wards and students in sportsmanship, Dr. Okoro called on the government, educational stakeholders and parents to encourage functional learning which will imbibe lifelong skills in the children.
“It is a competition but we strive to build team spirit among our children, we are out here, wearing different colours but with one goal, to win,” she added.
“Here we want the children to understand that in life, some will win and some will lose and so for you to win, you must be focused, you must work hard, have dedication and above all the fear of God.”
“With that, we will see who wins today, who takes the gold, who takes the silver and who takes the bronze medals. We empower our children in knowledge, skills and character.”
“In recent times, education has evolved from what it used to be…Rhetoric, methodology, demonstration and discussion. Children are motivated to engage in these activities.”
“Many say they are extra-curricular activities; but I say they are also core-curricular. Most of the skills learnt in school are the skills the children embrace as professional fields tomorrow; because lately passion and skills are selling points for most people in the outside world,” she concluded.
Also emphasising on the need to have more of such collaborations among schools and students in the FCT, a parent at the event applauded the school management for creating opportunities for the students to find expression through sports and other skills.
He further commended the school also creating opportunities for parents to participate in the competition.
Speaking to journalists on her impression about the success of the event, Michelle Akpomera, an SS3 student of the school shared a few words.
“For me, the most exciting part of the entire event is seeing all houses and students come out to compete,” she said. “We have been practicing for a very long time and I am also happy for the encouragement from our teachers and our dear parents.”
Highlights of the event were various sports activities, including march-past, track events and dance displays.
Participants included students from four houses; Phil Waves House (Green) – who were the champions of the Inter-House Sports Competition, Lady Peaceful Peace House (Yellow), Oscar Ehirim House (Red), Obianuju House (Blue); and students of MJ Salasi International Schools.
Also, the competition featured different relay and track races for parents present. The event was attended by students, parents, stakeholders and visiting schools who cheered children participating in the different events and dance displays, amongst other activities.
