By Stanley Onyekwere
In order foster all-round learning, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Mr. Olusade Adesola, has assured that the Administration will continue to support sport development in schools, for the mental and kinetic development of students.
Adesola made the assertion yesterday, during the presentation of winners of the 23rd edition of Nestle Milo Secondary School Basketball Championship, in Abuja.
Our correspondent reports that while the male team of Government Secondary School Karu, FCT, won the male category of the competition, the female team of the same school came second in the female category.
The permanent secretary, who congratulated the team for the laudable feat, added that the FCTA would continue to support youth to develop their skills in sport.
He pointed out that sport was one of the activities highly recognised for its significant contribution to the development of children, particularly while in school.
“Sport is not just a play; it comes with a lot of reward, great fame and adds meaning to life.
“This adds to the credence that in FCT, we do not only teach but we develop the kinetic mental capacity of children to grow and achieve their full potential.
“We look forward to seeing many of you in the national team, because basketball is a very big business,” he said.
Furthermore, the permanent secretary reiterated that the FCTA would do everything possible for the boys to participate at the World School Basketball Championship in China at the end of the year.
Adesola however, urged the team to come back with the winning medal.
Earlier, Director, Department of Schools Sports, FCTA, Mr. Ada mu Hashimu explained that both the male and female teams of GSS Karu emerged champions, out of the 35 secondary schools that participated in the competition at the FCT level.
He noted that the teams represented the FCT in the Central Conference held at the National Stadium, Abuja, where 9 secondary schools across the country participated.
He added that during the central conference, the boys team lost the finals to a school in Niger while the girls team won the central conference and qualified to participate at the National Championship.
“The boys’ team went to the national finals as the best losers in the male category and won the championship while the girls’ team came second in the female category.
According to him: “For the first position, the boys were rewarded with one million Naira, a trophy, shoes for each of the players and a medal.
“The female team were also rewarded with N750,000, a trophy, shoes for each of the players, and a medal.”
On his part, President of the Ratels Sport Development Foundation, Mr Paul Edeh, pledged a donation of N500,000 to improve basketball infrastructure in the school.
