HOW PRINCIPAL CUP EMPOWERS YOUTHS, PROMOTES SPORTING TALENTS IN DELTA - By Jerome-Mario Utomi
While this year’s tournament has come and gone the humongous goodwill and camaraderie the sports fiesta represents or brought to Deltans, a culturally diverse state, cannot be quantified.
It's heartwarming that many Deltans now see the competition as superlative and a reflection of the rich sporting talent in the State. According to them, the competition is reflective of the avalanche of youthful energies, potentials and talents in Delta which, if well harnessed, will be a catalyst for the promotion of unity, discipline, and healthy competition among schools.
A broad spectrum of Deltans are of the view that the tournament underscores the rich sporting talents in the State and confers importance on nurturing them.
Participants and guests at the event praised the Executive Governor of Delta State, His Excellency, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, and Zenith Bank Nigeria PLC., for sustaining the tempo of the competition as it sends positive message about the values of teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship, which are critical for the holistic development of our young people and the growth of the State. This is the whole essence of continuity, an area that the present administration has done creditably well.
*As the annual competition continues to flourish, analysts and policymakers are of the opinion that Mr. Chiedu Ebie, Chairman, Governing Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), should be applauded as well for reviving the Competition during his time as Delta state Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education from 2015 to 2019.*
*Commenting on the tournament during a chat with newsmen in Asaba, the Delta state capital, shortly after the wrap up of this year's edition, Dr. Godwin Edozie, a former Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Governor of Delta State described Mr. Ebie, as the "architect of the revamped Delta State Principal Cup, and annual football tournament for all Secondary schools in the state". He noted that each time Delta State Principal Cup competition is mentioned, Ebie's name naturally resonates.*
*According to him, Mr. Ebie represents so many invaluable virtues which have been instrumental in the various achievements and firsts he recorded in the course of occupying public offices. Dr Edozie recalled that as a former Delta State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education between 2015 and 2019, Ebie revived the previously abandoned Delta State Principals’ Cup Competition and in order to sustain it, he creatively brought in Zenith Bank Nigeria Plc, a reputable banking organisation in the country to be the sponsor of the competition.*
*"Ebie as Commissioner revived the hitherto abandoned Principal Cup in the state, a football tournament for all Secondary schools in the state. To make the tournament sustainable, Ebie creatively and proactively brought in the well-respected Zenith Bank as both partner and sponsor. Today, the football tournament has become a veritable platform for harnessing talent in the state".*
*Continuing, Edozie listed other achievements of Ebie as Commissioner, to include: Introduction of the Headmasters Cup Competition for primary schools; Teachers Award, Award of Academic Excellence in collaboration with Eroton Exploration and Production Company Ltd.; and created a sustainable benchmark for the appointment and recall of Chief Inspectors of Education which is still upheld till today. He further stressed that "Delta State was always in the news for good reason during Ebie's tenure as Honourable Commissioner". These milestone achievements were bolstered by the political will provided by the former Governor, His Excellency Senator Ifeanyi Okowa.*
Statistics indicate that the role of sports in the lives of young people cannot be overstated as it plays a crucial part in the physical, mental, and emotional development of the youth, providing them with opportunities to learn important life skills such as teamwork, leadership, discipline, and resilience. In addition, engaging in sports offers young individuals a constructive outlet for their energy and drive, steering them away from negative influences and behaviors.
“Sports promote a healthy lifestyle, helping young people build and maintain physical fitness while also fostering a sense of camaraderie and belonging. This essay aims to explore and emphasize the importance of sports for the youth, shedding light on the myriad benefits that sports participation brings to their overall well-being and development. Through a comprehensive analysis and discussion, we will delve into the various ways in which sports can positively impact the lives of young people, and why investing in sports programs for the youth is essential for their growth and success’’, Dr. Edozie stressed.
Physical Health and fitness experts counsel that regular participation in sports and physical activity offers a multitude of physical health benefits for the youth. One of the primary advantages, according to them, is the improvement of cardiovascular health and encourages the heart to work more efficiently, leading to a stronger heart muscle, lower resting heart rate, and improved overall circulation thus not only reducing the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks and strokes later in life but also enhances the immediate physical performance of the young athletes.
Experts also say Sports contribute to the development of enhanced motor skills as the repetitive movements and coordination required in various sports activities help in the development of fine and gross motor skills.
“This not only results in better physical agility and coordination but also promotes the overall physical development of the youth. Additionally, the development of motor skills through sports has a positive impact on the cognitive and emotional development of the young athletes, contributing to their overall well-being. In summary, engaging in sports and physical activity during childhood and adolescence brings about significant physical health benefits for the youth, including improved cardiovascular health and enhanced motor skills. These benefits not only have immediate positive effects but also contribute to the long-term overall well-being of the young athletes.
“Engaging in sports activities has been shown to have a positive impact on the mental health of youth. Firstly, participating in sports can provide stress relief. Physical activity has been proven to release endorphins, which are known as the body's natural feel-good chemicals. This release of endorphins can help to reduce feelings of stress and anxiety, promoting a more positive mental state. Additionally, the sense of camaraderie and support that often comes with being part of a sports team can provide a valuable social support system, further contributing to stress relief. Furthermore, engaging in sports can also lead to improved self-esteem in youth. As they develop and improve their physical skills, young athletes can gain a sense of accomplishment and a positive self-image. Success in sports can also foster a sense of pride and confidence, which can carry over into other aspects of their lives.
“Additionally, being part of a team can provide a sense of belonging and acceptance, which can be particularly beneficial for adolescents who may be struggling with self-esteem issues. In conclusion, the mental health benefits of sports for youth are significant. Not only can sports provide stress relief through the release of endorphins and the support of a team, but they can also contribute to improved self-esteem through a sense of accomplishment and belonging. As such, promoting youth involvement in sports can be an important aspect of supporting their overall mental well-being.
Sports plays a significant role in promoting stress relief among the youth. Physical activity stimulates the production of endorphins, which are known as the "feel-good" hormones. These hormones help to alleviate feelings of stress and anxiety, promoting a sense of well-being.
“Sporting activities provide a healthy outlet for managing stress, as it allows individuals to channel their energy and focus onto the game or physical activity, helping to distract them from their worries and concerns. In addition, the social aspect of being part of a sports team or community can also contribute to stress relief, as it offers a support system and a sense of belonging, providing individuals with an opportunity to connect with others and share common goals. Ultimately, the stress-relieving benefits of sports for the youth are invaluable in promoting mental well-being and overall health", says Mike Oshobi, a physical fitness expert.
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