Topaz dethrones Ruby at 17th Dowen College school sports

Defending Champions, Ruby (Red House), at the weekend lost its crown to Topaz (Yellow House) at the 17th edition of the Dowen College Lagos Inter-House Sports Festival held at the Yaba College of Technology Sports Ground, Lagos.

At the yearly occasion filled with funfair, Topaz emerged champions at the end of all events winning 15 gold, nine silver and 14 bronze medals. Sapphire (Blue House) was second with 12 gold, 16 silver and 11 bronze medals, while Ruby came third with 12 gold, 15 silver and 13 bronze medals and Emerald (House) placed fourth with eight gold, seven silver and nine bronze medals.

In the march past, Sapphire won the gold, Ruby picked silver while Topaz settled for the bronze medal. However, the queen of the tracks, Akpedeye Blossom, competing in the senior cadre, emerged the over all best female athlete, as junior athlete, Adekunle Babaferanmi, claimed the prize for the best male.

Speaking at the occasion, Principal of the college, Mrs. Olawunmi Togonu-Bickersteth, said the occasion beckons on the children to be given the prospect of discovering their talents and also to live a healthy life through sports participation.

“Inter-house sports give the children the opportunity to unearth and develop their God-given talents in an healthy competition among themselves. They also have the opportunity to fellowship together in healthy rivalry knowing well that participation in sports is not always a win, win situation. In every competition there will always be loser and a winner.

“The parents have been very supportive of their wards taking part in sporting activities. They have never in any way stood in the ways of their children each time they are called upon, rather they have always encouraged them,” she said.

Among the dignitaries on the occasion is the Vice President, Badminton Federation of Nigeria, Mr. Francis Orbih, who was the distinguished guest of honour.