In a bid to equip and impact learners in public primary schools in Ogun State, the Nigeria School Sport Federation (NSSF), Olympic Solidarity (OS), Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), in collaboration with the Ogun State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), has trained over 100 physical and health education teachers on sports development.
Declaring the three-day intensive capacity building programme opened at NUT Hall, Kuto, Abeokuta, Chairman of SUBEB, Dr. Femi Majekodunmi, represented by the Board Secretary, Dr. Mikhail Lawal, described it as a welcome development, aimed at discovering new talents through learner’s’ sporting activities.
Dr. Majekodunmi added that the programme would encourage the spirit of sportsmanship in both teachers and learners, as well as improve the sporting activities in public primary and junior secondary schools, update new technology and mechanism of sporting activities in schools.
He appreciated Governor Dapo Abiodun for giving necessary support to ensure that sporting activities thrive in the state, especially in public primary schools.
In her goodwill message, President, Nigeria School Sport Federation (NSSF), Mrs. Olabisi Joseph, highlighted the significance of the programme, informing that it was a pioneering initiative, designed to target and equip primary school teachers with up-to-date knowledge and skills, as well as provide them with the necessary tools to effectively influence the learners.
She described the sports as veritable tool for instilling good characters and making the students have a sport-oriented lifestyle, pointing out that the training would also delve into topics including, Olympic Value Education programme, Sport Psychology, Sports Science, talents identifications, as well as nurturing that cut-across teaching excellence, friendship, respect for others, to engender a successful living.
Also speaking, President, Nigerian Olympic Committee, Engr. Habu Gumel, represented by the Secretary, Nigeria Olympic Committee, Women Commission, Mrs. Kemi Obidahunsi, said it was imperative to discover talents in grassroots, for a country to come out in flying colours in global sporting activities, urging participants to be attentive, to enable them impart knowledge gained to learners.
Presenting a paper titled, “Catalysing Sustainable School Sport Development In Nigeria: Building Capacity For Long Term Growth In Primary and Secondary Schools”, the first facilitator, Prof. Olufemi Adegbesan, from Lagos State University, who explained that the role of psychology in talent development cannot be over-emphasised, noted that mastering-oriented athletes tends to focus on learning and constant evolution, saying athletes with such mentality have less pressure during tough moments, as they would see failures as learning opportunities and victories, as part of their developmental process.
While emphasising that doping is strictly prohibited in sports, another resource person, Mr. Oluranti Olajide, from University of Ibadan, explained that substances banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), included anabolic agents, narcotics, steroids, blood doping and creatine, among others.
He stated that doping not only undermines the pursuits of sporting excellence but also detracts fundamental joy of sport.
“It is banned to ensure fairness among athletes and to eliminate harmful side effects that can result from the use of these substances”, he said.
Speaking on behalf of other participants, Mrs. Comfort Olorode from Abeokuta South Local Government, commended the organisers for the programme, promising to train the learners in order to bring out the best of sporting activities in them.
Highlight of the training was presentation of certificates to the participants.
