Ezinne Onoh, Proprietress, Brains Premier School, Lagos has called for strategic incorporation of sporting activities into education in order to boost all round learning for the Nigerian child.
The educationist says education and sports must be well synergised so that pupils with extraordinary gifts will have ample opportunity to further develop their talents.
Onoh said sports must be made part of education as by so doing, schools will not only produce well-rounded and balanced individuals, but will also discover raw talents that will represent the nation in the future.
Speaking at the maiden inter-house sports competition of the school in Amuwo-Odofin, Lagos Onoh said that when a child is athletic, the child is sound all round and mentally alert.
According to her,” It helps the brain and every other area, including academics. So it develops the brain further and helps the student to do well even in academics. It is also important because it is through such activities that you can spot raw talents and provide them with opportunities to nurture and develop their gifts”.
She further emphasised that through sport activities such exercise great sportsmen and women that will represent the country locally and internationally are identified.
The educationist expresses regrets that some pupils do not receive adequate support when they participate or represent their schools in sporting activities, adding that there is need for the revival of school sports.
“The pupils who are interested in sports should be supported. They should be made to know that they won’t be penalised if maybe, for example, in the process of representing the school, their academics take a hit. Because it will be discouraging if the school does not take care of them while they labour for the school,” she said.
Lawrence Nwogoh, chairman of the event, called on all stakeholders to deepen effort in promoting school sports, saying that it was a trusted means of engaging young people meaningfully.
Nwogoh urged government and the private sector to intensify their efforts in promoting school sports, saying it was an important means of boosting child development.
At the end of the keenly contest sporting competition, Amber House emerged overall winner with 10 gold, seven silver and seven bronze medals.
Topaz House came second with eight gold, three silver and three bronze medals, while Emerald House with five gold, eight silver and nine bronze medals came third.
KELECHI EWUZIE
