An educationist, Felix Opata, has said that for a child’s development to be complete, sports must be encouraged at all levels. Opata, who is the director of studies and proprietor of Ferscoat International School, Ipaja, Lagos State, urged the government at all levels to create opportunities for talents, who emerged from school sports from time to time, to have a team that could represent the country at the world stage when the time comes. He stated this at the 12th inter-house sports competition of the school held at Alade Sports Complex, Ipaja.
According to him, opportunities should be created for pupils to move from school level to state, and eventually, national. He also called on parents and corporate bodies to continue supporting schools by sponsoring sporting activities.
“I also appeal to all tiers of government to encourage sports in schools through various sports competitions because that is the only way talents can be hunted for the nation,” he said.
Appreciating parents and guests at the event, Opata said their presence was a pointer to their interest in the all-round development of their children and wards.
To the athletes, the educationist noted that there are lessons to learn from the competition.He said: “In life, you need determination to succeed, especially when times are tough. Life needs to be completed whether you are losing breath or not, therefore, no matter the outcome, you must take it in the spirit of sportsmanship.”
Also speaking at the event, sport icon, Mrs Falilat Ogunkoya-Osheku enjoined both the government and private sector to work together for sports development. She advised who might want to go into any of the sporting activities to be determined, saying though it is not easy, with hard work, they would excel.
Earlier in his remarks the chairman, David Chukwuemeka commended the school for its continuous support for sports through competitions. According to him, engaging students in sports activities not only helps in curtailing indiscipline, it also helps the children to deplore their energy positively. as well as build their self-esteem, foster a spirit of teamwork and the opportunity to have a better view of the world and life in general.
The Principal, Mr Frederick Opata, said there is an improvement in the inter-house sports competition held in 2022. He added that the school went back to the drawing board and improved on the last event because as a school they always want to develop their strategies and always want to ensure things get better.
“It would not be too much to say that it is only in sports that Nigerians speak with one voice, which helps in cementing the unity and progress of the country and also provides financial rewards to our sportsmen and women,” he added.
