13 primary schools for athletics competition in Kaduna

NO fewer than 13 primary schools will participate in the maiden edition of an athletics school competition in Kaduna, organisers say.

The competition, organised by Coach Felix Academics and Sports Foundation in collaboration with Youth Sports Federation of Nigeria (YSFON) and Kaduna Private Primary Schools Athletics Competition is scheduled for June 29.

Speaking during a news briefing on Friday, at the Media Centre, Ahmadu Bello Stadium, YSFON State Secretary and National Organising Secretary, Malam Abdulrazak Usman, said only primary schools pupils would be allowed to participate.

He said that for now, the competition is solely sponsored by The Cavendish School, and called for sponsorship considerations from other schools, corporate organisations and public-spirited individuals.

Also speaking, Coach Felix Oseibe said that the importance of the competition could not be overemphasised because sports improve self-esteem in children.

“Any child that involves in sports does better than his or her peers socially and academically,” he said.

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According to him, events billed to be competed for are Calisthenic displays, 100m, 200m, Long jump, 70m hurdles, 4x100m, 4x100m mixed relays for the pupils, as well as 100m, 4x100m staff race.

He warned that the event would be for only children below 11 years old.

He said screening of athletes would take place on Thursday, June 27.

“A week after this, we are having inter-secondary school games for those that are U-15. We don’t want those above 11 participating in this,” he said

Coach Felix further warned that each school sending in participants should ensure the children “are medically fit”.

“We will not stop any school from allowing an athlete to feature in more than one event. I will advise you don’t feature an athlete in more than two events, for health reasons,” he advised.

He said that entries for the event should be submitted to YSFON office before or on June 27.

“There will be consequences for any school found fielding students, not from that school or a secondary school student,” he stressed.

In his remarks, special guest at the briefing, North West Zonal Secretary of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Alhaji Abdulraheem Aodu, commended the organisers for the initiative.

He expressed optimism that the competition would in the long run produce state, national and international athletes.

It was gathered that although over 30 schools were expected to feature, only 13 had so far registered.

News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the participating schools include Cavendish School, U/Rimi; Danbo International Primary School, Barnawa; Hakda Primary, Kastina Road; and Mary Travis Primary School, U/Rimi.

Others are Darul-Huda Foundation, Malali; Covenant Stars Academy, Sabo; Jesam Primary School, Ugwan Boro; Nigerian Tulips International School, Inuwa Wada; Marfan International School, Malali.

Other participants are: Aspire hall Preschool, kindergarten, elementary, Mando; Zidnee Ilman Montessori Academy, Kinkino; Kingdom Heritage Model School, Kastina Road and Al-Mana Academy, U/Rimi.

The competition would take place at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium main bowl.