Sports Assist In Tackling Negative Vices Amongst Children —-Eboka 

By Magnus Emuji

The Principal of Government Model Secondary School, Asaba, Dr. Mrs. Obiajulu C. Eboka, has asserted that sports activities help in distracting children from negative vices such as cultism, prostitution, drug abuse as sports helps in engaging their youthful energies positively.

Eboka stated this in Asaba during the 9th Annual Inter-house Sports and Athletics Competition of her school.

In addition, she said that the competition creates an enabling platform for healthy competition among students , promotes the spirit of sportsmanship and discipline, explores the talents of the children as well as provides time for relaxation and fun.

The Principal explained that sports ensures the physical, mental and intellectual well-being of the children, stressing that sports is a discipline that builds up the children’s self-confidence and self -esteem.

Eboka, who stated that the annual inter-house sports and athletics is an inclusive part of co-curricular activities in education noting that the role of sports in education cannot be overemphasized.

The conduct of this year’s annual event is in line with the vision of the school to encourage the growth and development of talents and skills by initiating co-curricular activities.

While appreciating the State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori for his continued promotion and support of youth sports in the State, Eboka thanked all stakeholders in education, including the Commissioner for Secondary Education, Dr. Kingsley Ashibogwu for their effort in providing a conducive environment for children to excel.

Eboka said that there are insufficient sports equipment and facilities in the school to cater for the teeming population of the students and appealed to the state government and the private sector which include organizations, parents and well meaning individuals to partner with the the state government to provide basic sports facilities in the school such as volley ball court , basketball court , javelin, discuss, short put , table tennis board , bats and balls .

Earlier, the Chairman of the occasion, Rtn. Hudson Okolo stated that the competition was designed to celebrate the spirit of sportsmanship, teamwork and healthy competition.

Okolo lauded the principal, Dr. Mrs. Eboka , teachers , students and their coaches for their tireless efforts and commitment for the competition, saying that the purpose of the annual inter-house sports and athletics competition was for the students to showcase their skills, ability and determination.

He said that the event was also geared towards promoting unity and fair play among participants, emphasizing that the competition was not just about winning and losing but about giving their best and having respect for their opponents.

The Chairman of ANCOPSS in Oshimili South and the Principal of West End Mixed Secondary School, Asaba, Mrs. Augusta Ogeah congratulated the Principal of Government Model Secondary School and the entire school for the successful conduct of her annual inter-house sports and athletics competition.

Dignitaries present include the mother of the day, Hon. Bridget Anyafulu, member representing Oshimili South Constituency at the House of Assembly, the Principal of Women Affairs Secondary School, Asaba, Mrs. Omodon and the Special Assistant to the Delta State Governor on Youth Development, Mr. Onyedikachi Odogwu amongst others.