NSSF boss advises including public schools’ participation in future editions
By Rasheed Adewuyi
Nigeria School Sports Federation (NSSF) has endorsed the forthcoming maiden Oyo SWAN/Jerona International Sports U -13 Sports festival.
The President of NSSF, Mrs. Olabisi Joseph, after being briefed by the Chairman of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) Oyo State chapter, Mr. Niyi Alebiosu, commended not only the Association on the initiative but also endorsed the competition.
NSSF President, however, advised that public school students should be allowed to participate in future editions of the competition.
“This is a very laudable idea and a good move by your Association to contribute to sports development at the grassroots. But it would be best to involve all schools, not only private ones. We have budding and hidden talents in public schools too. I will advise your Association to consider students of public schools in future editions of the competition.” Joseph said.
Joseph, recently elected the 4th Vice President Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), promised to donate a prize for the Most Outstanding Athlete of the Competition as a morale booster to the competitors.
She also promised to grace the closing ceremony of the competition in Ibadan.
In his response, the Chairman of the Competition’s Organizing Committee, Mr. Adewale Tijani, expressed appreciation to the NSSF boss for her support of the organizers of the sports fiesta.
Mr. Tijani assured the NSSF President that no stone would be left unturned in ensuring that the maiden edition of the sports fiesta is hitch-free.
“We are very grateful to you and the NSSF for your support. Your decision to provide a prize for the Most Outstanding Athlete of the Competition went a long way in encouraging the athletes and would-be sponsors. I want to assure you that all necessary arrangements are being put in place to ensure a hitch-free festival”, Tijani said.
He further disclosed that some schools were interested in participating in the festival while calling for more support from corporate bodies and other stakeholders.
The competition, which is strictly for kids under the age of 13 and Junior Secondary School pupils of private schools in Ibadan, will feature football and athletics.
The competition provides a platform for corporate bodies to exercise their corporate social responsibilities.
The competition is scheduled to hold between February 4 and February 23, 2023, at the University of Ibadan Sports Complex and the Lekan Salami stadium Adamasingba Ibadan.
