The leadership of Ferscoat International School, Lagos, has called for stronger government support to boost grassroots sports, stressing that school-based competitions remain vital platforms for discovering young talents and building character among pupils.

The call was made during the school’s Biennial Interhouse Sports Competition, where pupils competed in various track-and-field events amid cheers from parents and staff.

Speaking at the event, the Chairperson, Mrs Adenike Ojo, said sports teach values that are not easily learnt in the classroom, particularly teamwork, courage, and resilience.
According to her, sporting activities help children develop perseverance and determination, noting that when pupils fall during races and get back up to continue, they learn the importance of striving towards a goal despite challenges.

She added that the lessons learnt on the field positively influence academic performance, as teamwork and collaboration cultivated during sports reflect in classroom activities and group learning.

Ojo described this year’s competition as especially exciting, due to the impressive turnout of parents and the event’s noticeable growth over the years.

She noted that increased parental participation has continued to boost pupils’ confidence and enthusiasm during competitions.

She urged the government to invest more in grassroots sports programmes, stressing that events like interhouse competitions provide opportunities to identify and nurture children with potential to represent the nation in future sporting engagements.

Ojo also thanked parents and staff for their support, noting that the event was an opportunity for the pupils to develop their skills and build their confidence, assuring that the school would continue to provide opportunities for the pupils to excel in sports and other areas of their lives.

Also speaking, the Founder and Director of the school, Felix Opata, emphasised that sports contribute significantly to total education by developing the psychomotor aspect of learning alongside the cognitive and affective domains.

He explained that engaging the physical body through sports complements intellectual development and emotional growth, thereby producing well-rounded students.

Opata, however, expressed concern that talents discovered at the school level are rarely identified or supported for advancement to state and national platforms.

He noted that many promising pupils demonstrate great ability in school competitions but lack structured pathways for further development.

He called on government authorities and relevant bodies to pay closer attention to school sports to harness young talent early and strengthen the country’s future sports development.

Opata further advised students to embrace sportsmanship, integrity, and teamwork, stressing that participation is more important than winning.

He further encouraged them to continue training and remain committed, assuring that every child would eventually have the opportunity to excel in future competitions.

The event was marked by a display of athletic prowess, with pupils showcasing their skills in various track and field events.

The competition was fierce, with participants giving their best in the presence of parents, teachers, and fellow students.

Opata expressed satisfaction with the event’s conduct, noting that it had achieved its objective of promoting sports development and identifying young talent.