Francis Ajuonuma, Lagos
Director of Sports, Al- Faruq Schools, Lagos, Mrs. Shukurat Alagabi Abdulateef has made case on the need for government at various levels to extend sports subventions to private schools as that will help in development of grassroots sports in the country.
Mrs Abdulateef, who spoke at the maiden inter- house sports of the school held at Cappa Sports Complex, Oshodi, noted that many private schools have inter- house sports in their curriculum but are unable to organize it due to paucity of funds.
She insisted that with subvention from government, the schools will be able to put together yearly inter- house sports competitions where budding talents will be discovered and nurtured to stardom.
“This is the maiden inter- house sports of our school. School owners cannot just jump into inter- house sports because it’s capital intensive and that was why we took our time to organize this and hopefully, we will be doing it on regular basis.
“I think many private schools are interested in organizing inter- house sports but paucity of funds is affecting them and I think if Lagos State Government can extend sports subventions to us, many private schools will be organizing it annually”, she said.
When reminded that private schools charge exorbitant tuition fees that is supposed to cover inter- house sports, she was quick to point out that in most cases, parents either default in payment or don’t pay on time which affects planning for the Games.
Mrs Abdulateef also stated that it is important for the state government to upgrade some play grounds into mini stadias as that will help in the development of sports as schools around such areas will be able to have access to sports facilities on their sports day.
At the end of the keenly contested inter- house meet, Yellow House emerged champions with a total of 17 gold, 15 silver and 12 bronze. They were closely followed by Blue House with 17 gold, 9 silver and 18 bronze. Green House came third with 14 gold, 19 silver and 12 bronze while Red House came fourth with Event organiser, Prince M.A Atiba of Atico Global Concept 9 gold, 15 silver and 12 bronze.
Limited, lauded the school for putting up such a colourful even hoping that subsequent editions will be more colourful.
