Sports, imperative for child development, says CIS principal

The Principal, Children’s International School (CIS), Lekki, Mr. Stewart King, has said allowing children to participate in sports will ensure their total upbringing and development.

King spoke at an event to honour his students, who participated in the World School Games in Dubai.

The principal, who harped on the importance of sports to the development of the child, said the school appreciates sporting activities just like any other academic activity.

“Sports at CIS is a fundamental part of who we are, reason sporting activities are not optional or reserved for weekends. It provides our young people with team spirit, resilience, leadership and commitment.”

King, who has over 30 years of experience in teaching, urged parents to be directly involved in their children’s education, as it will inculcate values in the child’s life.

He expressed delight with the multiple medals and trophies won by CIS students at the world games, saying the competition is the first international event the students would be participating in after the coronavirus outbreak.

He advised parents not to waste resources in sending their children to schools abroad, as there are schools with the same facilities in Nigeria.

Chairman, Parents Teachers Association (PTA), Winifred Mena-Ajakpovi, enjoined parents to encourage their wards to participate in sports because it provides opportunities for scholarships.

She said: “I would plead with parents to find out the gifts their children possess and encourage them develop such gifts.”

Also, Chief Executive Officer, First Pension Custodian Nigeria, Timi George, said his company supported CIS team at the World School Games as part of its contributions to the development of education.

He noted that education is the future and urged more organisations to support the development of the sector.

According to him, “when you support education, you support the future, good leadership, and sustainability, and portrays you as a corporately responsible institution.”

One of the students, Mary Obi, who doubles as the overall winner of under-15 girls, said apart from participating in international games, it also offered them the opportunity to connect with other students across the world.

Another student, Alexandre Ajayi, who won bronze in 100m, silver in 200m and gold in the triple jump, 4x100m as well as 4×5 relay, said winning medals was a dream come after failing to win any medal in three consecutive years.

Ajayi urged other students to keep their heads up and never relent in pursuing their goals.