The 4th Biennial Inter-House Sports Competition of Al-Qalam Schools Ibadan, was held at the Awo Stadium of University of Ibadan, on Monday 19th February 2024 and was attended by Muslim dignitaries and parents.
Houses at the Inter-house sports competition were Blue – Alhaji Akinyemi House, Green – Alhaji AbdulFatai Ajayi House, Purple – PTA House and Yellow – Hon. Otunba Ilyas Yemi Otun House.
While delivering the school management’s welcome address, Mr Abd Mu’meen Olalekan Ajala said the biennial sports day is a tradition that started a decade ago adding that the level of anticipation has increased.
The management added that sports instill plenty of values that help learners to cruise through life with honesty, responsibility for themselves and others.
They also stressed that mental health should not be taken lightly and that in order to have a holistic and healthy life, learners should also take care of their mental health by physically playing various kinds of sports.
The school authority urged participants and the entire Muslims to imbibe the fitness culture saying: “our beloved Prophet Muhammad (Solallahu alaey’ wasalam) was reported to have said that: ‘the strong (active) believer is better and more beloved to Allah than the weak believer, while there is good in both.’
“And in another hadith, it was reported that the Noble Prophet Muhammad (solallahu alaey’ wasalam) raced twice in a lifetime with his wife (our mother Aisha).”
Representative of the management, Mr Ajala, explained further that Islam’s rituals are based on two elements: ‘spiritual and physical’ like: Solat (prayer), siyam (fasting) and Hajj (pilgrimage).
His words: “So, engaging learners in physical challenges is part of building them to fit for serving Allah better in life and that all muslims should strive to imbibe such culture.”
In attendance were Alhaji Lukman Akinyemi, CEO Akinyemi Electricals Ibadan; Associate Professor Abdwawasiy Ajagbe; Alhaji AbdRasheed Otun -The CEO RAAB Nigeria Limited Ibadan; Surveyor Ashiru Abdul’Waheed – PTA Chairman, Al-Qalam Schools Ibadan; Ustadh Abdulmajeed Ajibade – The Proprietor, Al-Mizan Group of Schools, Alhaja Simbiat Yahaya – Proprietor, Labaika Schools, Mallam Sakirullah Eleshinmeta – The Proprietor, As-Salam Model School, Mrs Monsurat Olayemi, the Head Teacher – Daalul Khayr Model School and Alhaji Saheed Hassan, the CEO HCC Construction.
Blue House was announced as the winner with a total score of 180 points, Yellow House was announced as runner-up with 158 points, Green House came third position with 155 points and PTA House with 151 points.
Also speaking, the Director of Academics, Hajia Rukayat Otun stated that all learners and houses are winners adding that “We had fun. We actually achieved lots for enhancing collaboration and team spirit.”
One of the parents present, Mrs Oyebami Alimat remarked that the school’s organisation and planning for the event was impressive and wonderful.
Her words: “We enjoyed the sight of this edition of INTER-HOUSE competition. It was an interesting one.”
One of the students, Ikumapayi Toheerah remarked: “I believed in a friendly competition and sportsmanship. Basically, every two years of our inter-house sports competition give me a new opportunity to showcase my athletic abilities while supporting my house.”
In his own submission, Mr Nkem Davies, one of the teaching staff said he was very delighted with the parents’ turn out.
His words: “The fun of the game and that his house (Blue House) emerged as the overall Winner of the 4th Biennial Inter-House Sports competition.
“Despite the fact that the blue house (Alhaji Lukman Akinyemi House) is the overall Winner, yet all staffs and learners of Al-Qalam Schools Ibadan are winners as we all added our best as a team to record another Success at this edition.”
After the final events of the day which were the 100m races, 200m races, relay races, sack race, father’s Shoe & backing the baby, threading the needle, tug of war; the results were collated which kept the audience on edge awaiting the final result.
During this wait, medals were presented to those who emerged as champions in various sports; as well as parents, invited schools and staff members who participated in races and had emerged as winners.
Thereafter, prestigious awards and medals were presented to honour House Sponsors.
The management gave praise to Allah for recording another success at the event and appreciated the Parent Teachers Association, PTA, executive, entire parents for their wonderful support.
They equally extended gratitude to corporate sponsors, distinguished guests and well wishers for the continuous assistance towards accomplishment of the school’s mission statement.
