The 3rd edition of the Athletics In School Program (AISP) took place at the prestigious Mayflower Private School in Ikenne, Ogun state on Thursday, March 7th, 2019.
Interestingly, the AISP team brought a twist to the running of the program at Mayflower, as we chose to go for a national coach in Oladipupo Isho, as sports icon of the day.
Coach Isho, is a respected figure who has trained several quarter-milers to professional level, with notable names in Abiola Onakoya and Qatari transferred athlete, Emmanuel Bamidele. He was also one of the Athletics team coaches at the 2018 Commonwealth Games and African Championships in Asaba.
He took the students on the traditional warm-up session we do at interhouse sports why CEO Athletic Heat, Ese Oguma gave a speech to encourage the parents and teachers to let their wards/students do sports but also make them have a balance in both.
“Sports is a sure passport to travel around the World. There are many athletes who have made it in life through sports and your children can also make it if they have your support.”
He continued, “Don’t kill this dream of your child. It is possible for them to successfully combine school and sports. A lot of athletes have done it and some even have Masters degree. So I want to implore parents here to please support their children just the way my parents are supporting me and teachers, also encourage the students. It’s not just about learning, let them also engage in sports because its a very lucrative business.”
Also speaking at the 9th annual interhouse sports of Mayflower Private School was National President Sport Psychology Association of Nigeria (SPAN), Prof. Lanre Ipinmoroti.
His words, “In the past people felt athletes were all dull and no brain but events in recent years have proved that to be wrong. Athletes have one of the most developed brain because in most events you have to take decisions in a twinkle of a second. The brain works with the leg.”
When all the events had been concluded the AISP team presented a token to the fastest boy & girl in Mayflower School to help assist them in training and to encourage them to put in more work so as to excel in their chosen field. This was made possible by Mr Temitope Alli. We appreciate you Sir.
