Lagos donates equipment to schools, reaffirms commitment to grassroots development
The Lagos State government through the Lagos State Sports Trust Fund (LSSTF) yesterday donated sports equipment to public secondary schools in the six education districts of the state.
Speaking at the event, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said the equipment was a demonstration of their understanding of the benefits of sports in education.
Represented by the Deputy Chief of Staff, Gboyega Soyannwo, the governor, who was the special guest, affirmed that the LSSTF has helped the government to source the fund from private sectors to improve sports infrastructure in the state.
“Lagos State government is fully committed to improving sporting facilities in our schools to take full advantage of the benefits of enhanced sporting activities in our public schools that cannot be overemphasized.
“We most certainly cannot do this alone, hence we are always ready to join hands with the private sector and notable individuals to constantly and sustainably raise funds for the promotion of sporting activities and the development of sporting facilities in Lagos State,” the governor said.
He added: “The distribution of sports equipment to the public secondary schools via the six educational districts in Lagos State today is a testament to the great work being done by the LSSTF.”
“Besides these equipment being distributed, LSSTF is currently reconstructing an Olympic size swimming pool, warm-up pool, training pool and a 500-seater spectator stand at Rowe Park Sports Centre, Yaba. These projects will soon be delivered and it is expected that the number of medals in swimming for the state will triple in future swimming competitive events.”
Earlier, LSSTF Chairman, Femi Pedro, said the agency was targeting N10 billion to support Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC) to fund sports activities and infrastructure. He called on corporate bodies to partner with the agency in improving the fortune of school sports in Lagos.
The former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, however, said: “It is against this background that the LSSTF is creating and uniting opportunities capable of diverting the attention of the youths from crimes by focusing on the development of school sports.
“Extensive research has shown that youth engagement in sports helps them to improve their social interaction, increase their confidence; improve their listening skills and health. Participation in sports is linked to higher grades, lower dropout rates, reduced truancy, and decrease crime rates.”
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