By David Akinadewo-Adekahunsi
Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to grassroots sports development, vowing to identify and nurture young talent across the state.
Speaking during the formal presentation of the overall trophy and medals won by the Ondo State team at the maiden edition of the Basic Education School Sports (BESS) Competition in Abuja, the Governor celebrated the team’s historic achievement as a testament to Ondo’s sporting potential.
The victorious team, which emerged as champions among 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, secured an impressive haul of 31 medals, including nine gold, 15 silver, and seven bronze.
The presentation ceremony, held at the Government House Grounds, saw the team accompanied by the Commissioner for Education, Science, and Technology, Hon. Laolu Akindolire.
Governor Aiyedatiwa, brimming with pride, lauded the young athletes as “Lucky boys and girls,” commending their remarkable achievement and their role as outstanding ambassadors of the state.
He praised their dedication and resilience in making Ondo State proud, remarking that their success aligns with the positive connotation of his name.
While congratulating the pupils for etching their names in history, the Governor also extended his gratitude to their trainers and the Ondo State Universal Basic Education Board (ODSUBEB), led by Rt. Hon. Victor Olabimtan, for their pivotal role in nurturing the talents.
Aiyedatiwa underscored the integral role of sports in child development, urging educators to strike a balance between cognitive learning and psychomotor activities in schools.
Reiterating his administration’s commitment, the Governor assured that the state government would appropriately recognise and reward the triumphant athletes and their coaches at a later date.
He emphasised that such victories highlight the value of creating opportunities for young people to excel in all areas of life, including sports.
Earlier, Commissioner Akindolire credited the pupils’ extraordinary success to the enabling environment fostered by the Ondo State Government.
He applauded Governor Aiyedatiwa’s unwavering dedication to holistic development in the education sector, noting that such efforts continue to yield tangible results in students’ performances.
Rt. Hon. Olabimtan echoed these sentiments, recounting how the team had previously clinched the top spot in the South-West regional version of the competition held in Ado-Ekiti earlier in the year.
He highlighted that the team’s victory was untainted by age-related disqualifications, a frequent issue in such competitions, thereby affirming the credibility of their win.
Olabimtan also expressed gratitude to the Governor for his steadfast support for basic education, including the timely payment of matching grants to access the 2024 UBEC Fund and resources allocated to preparing the athletes for the championship.
