Oluchi Chibuzor
Greensprings School Anthony Campus has held its 2023 Sports Day, which created an opportunity for the school to incorporate sports into its educational framework, thereby improving students’ mental well-being.
According to the school, sports have a firm place in its curriculum due to their immense benefits to the overall development of students.
Also, the sports day saw students representing different houses to encourage loyalty and foster friendly competition, teamwork, and cohesion as the school provided necessary first aid and ambulances for safety.
Speaking at the event, the head of the school, Anthony Campus, Magdalene Okrikri, said that given the numerous benefits of sports, the school provides a wide range of opportunities for students to explore or develop their sporting abilities.
She noted that this helps improve students’ academic performance and physical health, boosts self-esteem, and reduces pressure and stress.
The sports day being her first since her recent appointment, Okrikri maintained that the school focuses on the development of the total child. Hence, it embraces and invests in activities that help to achieve that.
According to her, sports and outdoor activities help students develop stamina, flexibility, strength and speed, which are key components of fitness.
She added that sports help to develop the spirit of sportsmanship, fair play, resilience and planning skills, among others.
“Most importantly, team sports help teach students accountability, dedication, leadership, and problem-solving, amongst other skills. Players also learn to show fairness, respect and generosity towards teammates as well as contesting teams,” stated Okrikri.
At the end of the sporting events, Moremi, Amina, Jaja, Azikiwe, Balewa and Enahoro Houses emerged first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth, respectively, in the watchful eyes of the Nigeria Association of Athletics Technical Officials (NATO).
For the winning team, Moremi, with 23 gold, 14 Silver and 20 bronze medals, the head of the house, Opeditan Adebayo, said the members’ high level of preparedness contributed to their success.
The Deputy Director of Education at Greensprings Schools, Feyisara Ojugo, said sports involvement also helps children develop their social skills and helps set them up for positive relationship building for life.
