By Nkechi Eze
In a bid to promote unity, teamwork, and healthy competition among young Nigerians, the DEPOWA Day Care, Nursery, Primary, and Secondary School, recently organized the second edition of its Inter-House Sports competition in Asokoro, Abuja.
The event, which brought together students from different backgrounds, aimed to foster a sense of camaraderie and sportsmanship, while also nurturing the talents of future athletes. Against this backdrop, the President of DEPOWA, Mrs. Oghogho Musa, made a passionate call for increased investment in sporting activities.
In her remarks, Mrs. Oghogho Musa expressed her delight and enthusiasm over the outstanding performances of the school children, who showcased remarkable skills and talents across various sports disciplines.
According to her, the whole idea of Inter-house sports is to promote healthy competition, teamwork and sportsmanship among students.
“Sports bind the children together, they all have different backgrounds, but they were able to come together and work as a team to achieve success.
“I witnessed students give their all, pushing themselves to be their best and supporting their teammates with passion and dedication.
“They are from different families but they worked together for a common good. So if we all come together to work for the benefits of humanity, it will eliminate unhealthy rivalries.”
The DEPOWA President noted that the inter-house sports competition would encourage the teaching of important life skills such as perseverance and how to work for common goals.
“The competition was not only about winning or losing; but rather about the values that sports instill in young people such as teamwork, discipline, perseverance and fair play,” she said.
She urged the pupils and students not to ever underestimate the importance of sports in their lives.
“The competition is a testament to the power of sports to bring people together to build bridges and to foster a sense of oneness.
“It is a reminder that, even in the face of competition, we can still support and uplift one another,” she added.
Mrs. Oghogoo Musa extended her heartfelt appreciation to the commandant, teachers, and non-teaching staff of the school for their tireless dedication and commitment to nurturing and guiding the students to success.
Earlier in her welcome address, Commandant DEPOWA School Sqr Ldr RT Akerele highlighted the significance of sports in shaping the lives of young people, emphasizing its role in fostering physical and mental well-being, discipline, teamwork, and leadership skills.
“Sport plays an essential role in shaping young minds, which is why it is part of the extra-curricular activities designed for students.
“Beyond the thrill of victory and the lessons of the fields, they teach teamwork, discipline, resilience, perseverance and leadership, all of which can help our children succeed beyond the school environment.
“I would like you to remember that true championship is not measured only by medals won or by hard work, but by determination and integrity applied in sportsmanship.
“I encourage you to compete with respect, fairness and true sportsmanship. Let your performance inspire others, let your spirit uplift your teammates, and let your actions reflect the value of honesty and discipline.
“I would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the DEPOWA president Mrs Oghogho Musa Gwabin, for her support towards the success of today’s event, as well as the growth of the school, your presence here today is a testament of your dedication to education, the growth of the school and the success of your staff, you have truly been a blessing to us all and a force to reckon with.” She said.
Other highlights of the event included captivating dance performances by diverse groups, impressive choreography, and an awards ceremony where medals and trophies were presented to the deserving winners.
The Inter-House sports competition featured five participating houses: DEPOWA, POWA, NOWA, NAFOWA, and NAOWA.
After a thrilling contest, NAOWA House was crowned the overall champion, with POWA House and NAFOWA House securing second and third places respectively.
