YSM ABUJA SCHOOL GAMES ENDS ON A HIGH
The maiden edition of the YSM Abuja Schools Games came to an end on a high! The inter-school sports events, which took place at the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja from the 16th to the 22ndNovember 2019 was organized by Youth Sports Movement – YSM, the sports Development arm of the African Centre for Youth Sports and Development -ACYSD to develop youth sports culture in Nigeria.
Over 600 students cutting across 17 schools from across Abuja participated in various sporting events which included 5 aside football, track and field athletics, volleyball, basketball, badminton, tennis and table tennis. At the end of the event, Pacesetters College came first on the medals table with 7 Gold, 4 Silver and 7 bronze. They were closely followed by Total Child Model School with 7 Gold, 1Silver and 7 Bronze. Central Emirate International Academy came a close third with 5 Gold, 5 Silver and 8 Bronze. Other winners at the event included Divine Mercy School, Doveland High School, Nigeria-Ghana International College, Kingsville College, Bankys Private School, Capville School and Tophills School.
Although medals were giving to deserving students, organisers say the purpose of the Games was not just to celebrate winners but to engender peace and unity among students. Yinka Suleiman, the Executive Director of the Africa Centre for Youth Sport and Development buttressed this fact.
“During the competition we saw students from different schools bonding, we saw them crying together and we saw them helping each other up. It is the culture we want to portray, the culture of oneness that is eroding from Nigeria.” She said.
Yinka said although she was proud of what she and her team had achieved, she said there could be improvements and she is already looking up to the next edition.
“We want to appreciate those who came to our aid in terms of sponsorship and support. This is an event everyone needs to support because it has to do with the future of our youths and our sports. We are open to more partners in the next edition.”Yinka said.
The closing event was well attended by sports enthusiasts and dignitaries including Senator Ned Nwoko, a Senator and Sports Philanthropist, and former Super Eagle Coach, Samson Siasia.
