By Kehinde Okeowo
Goldscholars Model Nursery, Primary, and College, Ijegun Lagos, a co-educational institution, held its inter house sports competition on Friday, March 4, 2022.
Although the citadel of learning marked its 10th anniversary on October 4, 2021, this is the 3rd edition of the biannual sports fiesta
The elated students were joined by their proud parents, teachers, school management, guests, other schools invited for relay races, and well wishers who trooped out in numbers to watch the learners battle for honours.
The glamorous sporting event, tagged “a sound mind in a sound body” took place at the Princess Lillian Margaret Health Farm Playground, Isheri-Oshun, Lagos.
Goldscholars is divided into four houses, Oleander which is the red house, Marigold, yellow, Morning Glory which is blue colour and Rose Periwinkle whose colour is green.
The four houses competed for honours in track and field events such as 25m race, 50m race, 75m race, 100m race, 200m race, sack race, relay race, long jump, and high jump.
Other recreational sports such as filling in the bottles, catching the school bus, threading the needle, three legged race, skipping rope, slipper race, lime race, picking the balls, Fanta race, mother’s call, and aiming the basket among others, were also on display.
At the end of the keenly contested event, Marigold house came top with 12 gold medals, Morning Glory came a close second with 10 gold medals, Oleander was third with 8 gold medals, while Rose Periwinkle house came a distant 4th with 3 gold medals.
The Chairman of the occasion, Mr. Olanrewaju Ronald in his opening speech congratulated the parents, students, and the school management.
He also commended the institution for exposing their students to sporting activities, while also saying the colours of the houses represent nature.
He said, ” I am happy the school is an all rounder because it does not confine students inside the classrooms like other schools, it gives them the opportunity to participate in sporting activities.
“Another thing that is noteworthy, is that the colour of the houses represent forces of nature, red for blood, green for vegetation, blue for the sea and yellow for the sun”
The proprietress, who doubles as the Director of Schools, Mrs. Abimbola Olamilokun in her welcome address, said the inter house sports competition, is the third since the school started.
Olamilokun, who said she was an athlete when she was younger, also said the school organised the sporting activities because of its belief that the students need a sound mind in a sound body to excel.
“This year’s Inter House Sports Competition is the third since the inception of this school. It is gratifying that, over the years, our learners have continued to excel in athletics, sports, and games.
“Today, you will be witnessing the efforts of all learners in developing their bodies since we believe it is important for every learner to put a sound mind in a sound body.
“As an athlete myself, I strongly believe that it is very good for the young ones to engage in healthy competition. Be that as it may, we encourage them to take seriously the Olympic Motto which emphasizes that there is joy in participating,” she said.
She also appreciated all those who partnered with the school to make the event a success, saying by their gesture, they are developing sports in Nigeria.
She added, “We appreciate your partnership with us to develop sports in our country. We appreciate our esteemed parents all our well wishers for making this 3rd inter house sports competition a reality”
A parent, Mr. Sunday Awah who said he has three kids in the school thanked the school for exposing the kids to sporting activities early, suggesting the exposure may encourage some of them to take to sports later in life.
” I have three kids in Goldscholars, and I’m glad this social engagement is happening in the school. A lot of the kids will be exposed to sports and some of them may end up as athletes”. Awah said.
The students also partook in the march past, and put up a beautiful choreography display, while the Nigerian Police band was at the bandstand.
The Chairman of the school’s governing board, Commodore S.E.A Olamilokun (rtd), rounded up the colorful event by awarding medals to winners and gave the closing remarks.