The David Joel Group of Schools, located in Oki/Olodo area of Ibadan hosted its Biennial Inter-House Athletics and Inter-School Competition, drawing students, teachers, parents and invited guests in a vibrant celebration of sportsmanship and holistic education.
The colourful event, held within the school premises, served as a platform for students across nursery, primary and secondary levels to demonstrate their athletic abilities, strengthen teamwork and foster healthy competition among the various houses.
The atmosphere was filled with excitement as students, clad in their distinct house colours, competed in a wide range of track and novelty events.
In her welcome address, the Director of Academics, Deaconess Funmi Adewale, expressed appreciation to parents, guardians and special guests for their continued support of the school’s vision. She emphasized the vital role of sports in character development and nation-building.
“Sports remain a powerful tool for unity. It has the power to change the world and to inspire hope,” she said.
According to her, “Sporting activities may not necessarily build character from scratch, but they refine and renew it. They bring students together, promote healthy competition and strengthen bonds of togetherness.”
She further noted that participation in sports helps to cultivate discipline, patience, confidence and resilience among students.
“Sports foster teamwork and sportsmanship. They instill endurance and composure, and teach the valuable lesson that despite challenges, we must always prepare ourselves to overcome them,” she added.
The Primary and Secondary School Game Mistresses, Mrs. Babawande Olaitan and Mrs. Fabunmi Akano, also addressed the students, urging them to balance academics with extracurricular activities.
Mrs. Akano stressed that sports form an integral part of education, encouraging students to take both their academic and sporting responsibilities seriously.
“Sport is part of education and every student must participate actively while also giving due attention to their studies,” she said.
Mrs. Olaitan advised parents to support their children’s involvement in extracurricular activities, noting that learning is a lifelong process.
“Education does not stop in the classroom. From conception to adulthood, learning continues, and sports remain an important aspect of that growth,” she remarked.
Some parents commended the school management for consistently organizing the biennial competition, describing it as a commendable initiative that helps to identify and nurture hidden talents among students.
Several students also shared their excitement, expressing hope that parents and guardians would continue to recognize and encourage their talents beyond academics.
Highlights of the day included the 100-metre and 200-metre races, high jump, egg race, balloon race, fill-in-the-bottle contest and other engaging activities designed to test speed, agility, coordination and endurance.
At the end of the event, David Joel Model College Makinde Crescent (Yellow House) took first place while David Joel Model College, Oke-Ayo Tuntun got the second place position.
Also, David Joel Primary school, Oke-Ayo Tuntun’s Pink House clinched first place in primary school competition.
The events ended on a celebratory note with the announcement of winners, presentation of medals and trophies, and renewed calls for sustained support to strengthen both the school’s sporting and academic programmes.
