Lekan Fatodu, the Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, has underscored the pivotal role of school sports in nurturing future sporting talents and fostering holistic development among student-athletes.
Speaking at the 17th edition of the Vivian Fowler Memorial College For Girls event held at the University of Lagos Sports Ground, Akoka, Yaba, Lagos State, Fatodu emphasized that school sports lay the foundation for grooming potential stars and instilling essential values in young athletes.
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He highlighted that beyond athletic prowess, school sports provide a platform for imparting very important and necessary life skills such as responsibility, discipline, teamwork, and commitment.
These attributes, Fatodu noted, are instrumental in shaping well-rounded individuals who are poised to excel both in sports and as model citizens.
Moreover, Fatodu underscored the societal benefits of investing in school sports, noting that it fosters a sense of focus among youths, thereby curbing negative behaviours like juvenile delinquency and truancy.
“School Sports is the bedrock of sustainable sports development geared towards using sports as a tool for discovering early stage development of talented athletes and the critical first step in preparing student-athletes for a positive career in sports”.
By engaging in sports from an early age, students are empowered to make positive contributions to their communities.
Aligning with Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu’s vision for youth empowerment through the THEMES+ agenda, Fatodu affirmed the commission’s commitment to grassroots sports development.
He emphasized that talents identified through school sports programs would have the opportunity to represent Lagos State at national and international competitions.
Fatodu pointed to success stories such as Commonwealth champion Adijat Adenike Olarinoye, Olympian Anuoluwapo Opeyori, African badminton champion Godwin Olofua, and Paris Olympics-bound boxer Omole Dolapo as shining examples of athletes who honed their skills through school sports before ascending to global acclaim.
In conclusion, Fatodu reiterated the commission’s dedication to nurturing young talents and leveraging sports as a catalyst for personal and communal growth, underscoring the transformative power of school sports in shaping the leaders and champions of tomorrow.
