C&S FP Sports Academy introduced for youth development, empowerment -Ojomu
The Chairman of the C&S First Pishon Sports Academy, Anthony Olajide Ojomu Ph.D has said that the Academy was introduced mainly because of the youth, and in consideration of the significant role sports is playing in the society, adding that taking a child off the street brings peace to the family, the neighborhood, the community, the city, and state, and ultimately the nation.
Briefing newsmen at the Conference Room of the C&S Movement Church Worldwide Headquarters, Ilorin today Saturday July 1, 2023, Ojomu said that the initiative was conceived with the backing of Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church Worldwide, under the Baba Aladura’s leadership, His Grace, Prophet Samuel Adefila Abidoye.
According to him, “the Church recognizes the vital role of youth sports development and is committed to supporting and promoting the tasks ahead. We have implemented various initiatives to ensure our young athletes have access to quality sports programs, facilities, and resources.
“Some of the efforts we have made so far included collaborating with local schools, community organizations, and sports clubs to provide comprehensive sports programs for our youth, sourcing and increasing funding and resources for youth sports programs, ensuring their sustainability and accessibility and developing partnerships with sports organizations, coaches, and mentors to provide expert guidance and training across the globe.
“Others are organizing community-wide sporting events and competitions, promoting inclusivity and participation for all young individuals and offering scholarships, grants, and financial assistance to deserving young athletes, regardless of their socio-economic background.
While thanking the Church for catching and supporting the vision, he averred that the C&S FP Sports Academy has established three zones, (Ilorin, Omu-Aran, and Zaria), with efforts on, at starting it in Sokoto and other parts of the country.
Ojomu pointed out that the Academy will soon diversity into other sports, apart from handball.
“We hope to adopt athletics next. Youth sports development holds immense importance in our community for various reasons. First and foremost, it contributes to our young individuals’ overall physical and mental well-being engagement. Engaging in sports helps promote an active and healthy lifestyle, reducing the risks of all related health issues.
“Sports also provide an outlet for stress and anxiety, promoting mental resilience and well-being. Youth sports foster social integration and cultural diversity. Through sports participation, young individuals can interact with peers from diverse backgrounds, promoting understanding, empathy, and teamwork. It also encourages the development of social skills, leadership qualities, and a sense of camaraderie among participants.
“Youth sports also instill essential life skills in our young athletes. Discipline, determination, perseverance, and goal setting which are just a few of the qualities that sports help cultivate. These skills extend beyond the field or court, positively impacting academic performance, personal relationships, and future career prospects.
“The benefits of youth sports development extend beyond the individual level as they significantly impact our community positively. When we invest in youth sports, we invest in the future leaders and contributors to our society. Engaging young individuals in positive and productive activities like sports helps reduce the likelihood of involvement in negative behaviors such as substance abuse, violence, or delinquency. We can guide youths towards a path of success by providing them with an alternative focus and a supportive environment.
“Youth sports act as a unifying force within the community as sporting events and competitions unite people, fostering a sense of pride, community spirit, and belonging. Families, friends, and neighbors gather to support and cheer for their young athletes, creating bonds and strengthening the fabric of our community.
Ojomu clarified that C&S FP Sports Academy is not competing with any local or state handball association, but said it is a registered Academy in Kwara state and well guided by the State Sports Commission, being led by the Executive Chairman, Mallam Bola Magaji.
Ojomu equally urged government and various stakeholders to invest more in sports and pump in more money as sport is capital intensive.
The briefing was witnessed by Director of Operations of the Academy, Mrs Monisola Yemisi Makanjuola, the Director of Administration, Alexander Ogundele, Coach Emeka Nnamani and Jide Ibrahim.
This is a great innovation.
No more idle minds. The Greeks knew this long ago, thus they built stadiums and theatres all over their cities to keep the young people busy.
Kudos to Jide Ojomu the arrow head.
The Lord keep and bless you.
Amen.
“In any field you find yourself you must aspire to be the best” The lessons of late Dr. D.O. Akintola leaves on. That spirit of giving back to the community that discovered you is greatly exhibited. Don’t give up as anything worth doing is worth doing very well. Kudos Jide.
Good job to C&S worldwide sport committee.I will encourage the committee to add Dart game.