The Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC) has re-emphasised its commitment to developing sports alongside education in schools, to groom young people into future world champions.
The Director-General of the Commission, Hon. Lekan Fatodu disclosed this at a reception for the Impact Kiddies Academy representing Nigeria at the Under-12 basketball competition in Matera, Italy at the Teslim Balogun Stadium office of the Lagos State Sports Commission before the team’s departure.
Hon. Fatodu said the team’s participation in the tournament is part of the Commission’s mandate to encourage youth participation at the grassroots in local participation and create international exposure that will shape their future professionally.
“It is important to state that today’s event is a fulfilment of some of our action points and goals at the Lagos State Sports Commission, essentially to empower dreams and nurture champions,” he said, adding that the Lagos State Sports Commission has been providing relevant technical support, skills development, and infrastructure in school environments.
This, according to him, would enable students to combine education with sports, while ensuring they are mentally ready and stable for local and international competitions”, Fatodu added.
He urged the team to strive for excellent performance, noting that the state will continue to create an enabling atmosphere for young people to become future stars.
The Technical Adviser to the team, Mr. Simon Evbuomwan, affirmed their readiness to excel. “The selection into the team was painstakingly done. The best players were picked from various academies across the Southwestern States. The team has undergone rigorous training and technical sessions that have prepared them not only to play, but to win,” he said.
Captain of the team, Master Adewoye Timilehin, a pupil of Ilupeju Grammar School, promised to bring home the trophy. “The team is made up of the best in our age bracket, selected based on performance. We have gone through a series of technical training that has prepared us mentally and technically to win the competition,” he said.
The mini basketball competition will feature 63 countries and serve as a cultural exchange among participating children. This is Nigeria’s sixth appearance at the tournament.
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