The Spiritual Head and Founder of Shafaudeen – in-Islam Worldwide, Professor Sabit Ariyo Olagoke JP has advised sports men and women to acquire education or vocation skills so as to prepare them for life after sports.
He gave the advice his address titled” Effects of Sport Development on Academic Performance” at the grandfinalle of the 20th edition of the annual Rasool Cup U-18 Football Competition held on Wednesday at Wesley School of Science, Elekuro, Ibadan Play ground.
Professor Olagoke emphasized on the importance of prioritizing the future needs of athletes by empowering them through holistic approach to development saying that “not every young athletes will turn professional but they all can benefit from education and sports as well as vocational training”
According to him, this is the focus of government intervention in Inter-school games – (Primary and Secondary ) Nigeria Polytechnic Games Association(NIPOGA) and the Nigeria University Games Association ( NUGA)
“Athletes need to be encouraged to pursue alternative paths alongside sports .This is to empower them with a safety net for life after sports, transferable skills for diverse career and enhanced personal growth and development.
“A development without education an sports without a handiwork makes one to be incomplete. Athletes deserve to be able to meet up with challenges of wellness.
“Sports development implies the use of physical activities and sports to be able to achieve specific development goals, It helps promote peace, social inclusion and sustainable development. On the other hand, academic performance is a measure of a student’s success in school, which is typically measured by grades, test scores, and other indicators.
“It also include a student’s attitude towards school, their aspirations and participation in class.A physically fit and mentally sound person with good health pursues social desires with relative ease and with sound education too, he fits in easily well into the competitive global market of the digitalized world.
“Pursuing education or vocational skills alongside sports is never a distraction.The truth is any chosen sport may be temporary but education and skills are lifelong assets. A well-rounded individual is the one that prioritizes education,develop skills, and strives for excellence on and off the pitch”, he concluded
UDI Soccer Machine FC from Egbeda Local Government clinched the winner’s trophy after defeating D-Pride FC from Oluyole Local Government by a lone goal scored by Isiaka Sikiru during the second half of the encounter
Earlier, in a third place match, Eleven Teargas FC from Lagelu Local Government emerged winner through a walkover after it’s rival, Allah’s Will FC from Oluyole Local Government failed to show up.
Highpoints of the occasion was the presentation of cash gift to the son of the late coach of UDI Soccer Machine, Akeem Lawal fondly called “Coach Udi” by Professor Sabit Olagoke on behalf of the organization as well as trophies and other gifts to winners and participants.
Twenty four football clubs from Ibadan main and less city participated in this year’s edition of the tournament.
