Major steps towards the introduction of baseball and softball were taken by MoniMak Global Foundation on Wednesday in Omu-Aran, with the demonstrations during the finals of the maiden edition of Olomu Sports Festival.
The Chief Executive Officer of Monimak Global Foundation, Mrs. Monisola Makanjuola said that the demonstration was an opportunity for her Foundation, especially on the backdrop of her intentions to introduce the game to the community.
The member of the Kwara State Sports |Commission and Board member of the Nigeria Baseball and Softball Association also pledged to pick up from there, to organize training for Games Masters and Games Mistresses, in a bid to fully bring the game to the community.
Thirteen primary schools, 14 secondary schools and eight Federal Constituency schools in Irepodun Local Government Area participated in the festival held at the Local Government’s Mini Stadium in Omu-Aran.
The Chairman of the Kwara State Sports Commission, Mallam Bola Mogaji commended the Olomu of Omu-Aran, HRM Oba TPL AbdulRaheem Oladele Adeoti for assisting in the development of sports at the grassroots, adding that efforts will be made to construct a Sports Centre, to give credence to such a move.
The Olomu said that the Sports Festival is a veritable tool to develop sportsing activities within the Sub-Local Government Area called Irepodun, pointing out that government alone cannot promote and develop sports without the private sector or community involvement.
The Chairman of the Omu-Aran Development Association (ODA), Major General Olayemi Lasisi Abidoye (rtd), who expressed delight with the enthusiasm shown by the youth, lamented the lack of sporting facilities, especially in schools, adding that the association will make efforts, within its capacity, on construction of facilities.
The idea of the Olomu Sports Festival was conceived by Oba AbdulRaheem Oladele Adeoti, supported by the Olomu-in-Council, and powered by sons and daughters of Omu-Aran Community.