By: Ike Philip Abiagom
[dropcap]T[/dropcap]here was excitement as the management, staff and students of St. Augustine College, Ibusa, Delta State, held their fourth biennial inter-house sports tournament recently. It was a very successful and well organized event which was chaired by the Special Assistance to the Governor of Delta State on Youths Mobilization. The event, which took place at school field also brought together parents and children from other schools who were invited to witness the programme.
This annual event kicked off with an opening prayer by Rev. Fr. Dr. Micheal Ibe, followed by the Anthems (National Anthem & School Anthem) and recitation of the National pledge accompanied by the School Band led by the Parade Commander.The school’s band opening parade ushered in the colourful and stellar march past by the six houses – white House, yellow House, green House,Blue House,Red House and Pink House.
In his welcome address, the principal of the school,Rev. Fr. Dr. Micheal Ibe, stated the importance of Sporting activities in the development of the child, saying it could not be overemphasized.
“A healthy child is a wealthy child, and if you invest in your health, you are generating wealth. It is through sports that a child develops,” he said. According to him, children have some God-given talents that can be brought to the fore through sporting activities of such nature: “Sports is a platform to promote the development of children by improving their social and leadership skills and bettering their well-being.Besides, he promised that the institution will continue to create a conducive learning environment for sports because of it’s contribution to the development of the physical and mental well-being of a child cannot be over-emphasized.
The Chairman of the occasion, Hon. Chief Austin Ndinwa, (Okemili Igbuzor) encouraged the school management, parents and students on the need to wholeheartedly trust in God, citing Phillipians 3:5-6 before formally declaring the sporting events open.
Amongst other events of the day were the 100m races, 200m races, 400m races, egg race, relay races, sack race, threading the needle, invitation relay races where the students gave in the best to ensure their house comes first. Before the announcement of the final result, medals were presented to the best female athlete and best male athlete as well as invited schools, parents, staff members who participated in different races and had emerged 1st, 2nd and 3rd positions.
At the end of it all, Red House clinched the 1st position , followed by Green House 2nd position,Yellow House came 3rd position ,Blue House took the 4th position,white House 5th position and Pink House took 6th position.
The School Director of Sports, Comrade Nwabueze Fredrick Emeka expresses profound and special appreciation to some of parents,who volunteered to support the school to ensure that the athletes and indeed every one of us there was well looked after. The school principal gives special thanks to His Lordship, Most Rev.Dr.M.O.Elue, the Bishop of Issele -Uku Diocece and Proprietor of the College, the Chairman of Catholic Education Board, Issele-Uku Diocese,Chief Inspector of Education, Oshimili North L.G.A, the Chairman of the occasion, Hon. Chief Austin Ndinwa, (Okemili Igbuzor),Pastor Idowu Okeze for their kind gestures. God bless you all.
Thanks too to all staff members for their hard work and contribution in making this year’s inter-house sports day a huge success.
We are already looking forward to our 5th Inter-house Sports Day. In the meantime, we congratulate Red House once again for emerging CHAMPION
S of the 4th edition.
