FCT TRAINS SCHOOL SPORTS OFFICERS AHEAD OF RENEWED HOPE FESTIVAL
By: Gyang Dakwo
Preparation for the third edition of the Barr Nyesom Wike Renewed Hope School Sports Festival has gathered pace as the Federal Capital Territory Administration concludes a week-long seminar for games masters and games mistresses across Abuja.
The FCT Department of School Sports organised the training to refresh the knowledge of school sports officers and administrators on current issues and new rules in officiating.
The seminar began on February 12 and ended on February 18, and it moved across five zones so that representatives of public and private schools could attend with ease. The zones covered were Abaji, Kwali, Gwagwalada, Tudun Wada and Karu.
Speaking during one of the sessions, the Director of the FCT Department of School Sports, Adamu Hashimu, said professionalism must guide the conduct of the upcoming festival because of its scale and importance. He explained that more than four thousand athletes are expected to compete in at least 26 events across three categories, namely primary, junior secondary and senior secondary schools.
Hashimu added that proper training of officials is necessary because the participants are children of different ages and backgrounds, and they also represent the FCT in national and international competitions.
He cited the maiden edition of the Africa School Games held in Annaba, Algeria, where two FCT athletes, Rosemary Chigozie Nwankwo and Miracle Oluebube Ezechukwu, represented Nigeria in the 100 metres and 200 metres races and returned with gold and silver medals.
According to him; “such achievements show why careful preparation and standard officiating are important at the grassroots level.”
During the seminar, participants discussed the impact of sporting activities on school performance, and they also examined how inadequate facilities, equipment and qualified personnel can affect sports development. In addition, the role of school administrators in promoting sports and improving performance was reviewed.
With the workshop now concluded, attention shifts fully to the forthcoming festival, as the FCT continues its drive to strengthen school sports and prepare young athletes for greater opportunities.
