By: Olaolu Fawole
Court games are to be introduced to schools in Oyo state next year.
Special Assistant to Governor Seyi Makinde on Sports development, Mr. Oluwatobi Oyewumi made this known in his office while speaking with some members of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN, Oyo state chapter.
Describing Oyo state as a fertile land full of sports talents, Mr Oyewumi explained that the introduction of the court games would not only discover talents but also nurture them to greatness.
“Recently, I was in Oke Ogun, Idere to be precise and I saw kids of nine years playing good football and if we can have that there, how much more in other parts and zones of the state” Oyewumi told the Sports Writers
The Sports enthusiast said some of the court games to be introduced include: Volleyball, Basketball and Tennis.
According to the young administrator, grassroot football league and Para-Sports would also be held next year.
He said that if not for the ravaging COVID 19 pandemic, Para-Sports would have been held this year and maintained that Oyo state would never neglect its para athletes.
On Shooting Stars Sports Club of Ibadan and Crown FC of Ogbomoso, Mr Oyewumi noted that Governor Makinde has been giving support to the welfare of players of the two clubs, stressing that the aim of Oyo state for the government owned Clubs is not only to clinch promotion tickets to the elite league next season but to represent Nigeria at CAF Competitions.
Mr Oyewumi, who went down the memory lane on how he was a footballer during his school days, advised Parents to encourage their children to take part in sports.
“Gone are the days when sports is seen as a waste of time, apart from the financial aspect of engaging in sports, we also know the psychological aspect of it”
The Special Assistant added that efforts must be intensified to use sports as a unifying factor.
