Classes
By Millicent Ifeanyichukwu
Lagos, May 14, 2018 (NAN) Osho Olusegun, Representative of Education District 5 at the ongoing Lagos State Secondary Schools Handball Championships, says the government has directed secondary schools to organise makeup classes for players participating in the ongoing OPEIFA CUP.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the OPEIFA CUP, a handball championships for secondary schools which began on Monday at Rowe Park Sports Centre, Yaba, is organised by the Lagos State Handball Association.
Olusegun told NAN that school authorities across the education districts were aware of the championships, a grassroots development programme, adding that players in the teams were permitted to participate.
“This is the 4th edition of this championships and it has really enhanced the growth of handball at the grassroots and, particularly in Lagos State which we appreciate and encourage.
“Most schools have been regular and we are aware of its positive effects on players’ skills and school teams that look forward to it.
“Being an annual competition that falls within our academic calendar, we concluded that schools’ managements identify, permit and organise a makeup classes for the players to fill-in the gaps.
“The idea is to encourage the upcoming handball players to exhibit their skills and get discovered which is part of the objectives of the championships without hindering their academics,’’ he said.
Olusegun said the championships had the full support of the education districts as it had gone a long way to awake the consciousness of the sport in Lagos State.
The representative said that the championships fixture was being used as a guide for participating schools, adding that they come to the venue only when they have matches to play.
“We are really feeling the impact of handball in most of our schools, especially since this OPEIFA CUP started in 2015 and it has been consistent.
“It’s usually a five-day competition and this year is not going to be an exception, so the players are not going to lose anything academically but rather gain exposure,’’ Olusegun added.
NAN reports that 81 private and public schools are taking part in the ongoing championships sponsored by Kayode Opeifa, a patron of state handball association.
The championship will end on Friday. (NAN)
MIL/BOLA/PDE
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(Edited by Bola Akingbehin/Peter Ejiofor)