The Nigeria School Sports Federation (NSSF) has endorsed the maiden Oyo State SWAN/Jerona International Under-13 Sports Festival.
Adewale Tijani, Chairman of the competition’s organising committee, in a statement on Monday in Ibadan said the NSSF President, Olabisi Joseph, has endorsed the competition.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the competition is being organised by the Oyo State Chapter of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) in partnership with Jerona International Sports.
Tijani said Joseph commended the initiative after receiving a brief on the event from the State SWAN Chairman, Niyi Alebiosu.
He added that the NSSF President however advised that students of public schools should be allowed to participate in future editions of the competition.
“This is a very laudable idea and a good move by Oyo State SWAN to contribute to the development of sports at the grassroots.
“But you should have involved all schools, not only private schools. 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,” she was quoted as saying.
Joseph, who was recently elected the Fourth Vice-President of Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), promised to donate a prize for the Most Outstanding Athlete of the competition.
“She said this will serve as a morale-booster to the competitors, and promised to grace the closing ceremony of the competition in Ibadan,” Tijani said.
Tijani, while expressing appreciation to the NSSF President, assured her that no stone would be left unturned to ensure the maiden edition of the competition was hitch-free.
He said some schools have already indicated interest in participating in the competition, and called for more support from corporate bodies and other stakeholders.
NAN reports that the competition, which is strictly for under-13 children and Junior Secondary School pupils of private schools in Ibadan, will feature football and athletics.
The competition is aimed at providing a platform for corporate bodies to exercise their corporate social responsibilities.
The competition is scheduled to hold from Feb. 4 to Feb. 23 at the University of Ibadan Sports Complex and the Lekan Salami Stadium Complex in Ibadan. (NAN)
