Ado Salisu
Ruby House emerged overall winner at the Inter-House Sports competition of Benford International School, held alongside the launch of its “Play, Swim and Grow Initiative” in Abuja.
The colourful event, staged at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, attracted over 2,000 participants and showcased young talents in various sporting activities.
Chairman of the Board of Directors, Benaoyagha Okoyen, said the event underscored the importance of sports in the holistic development of children.
“We are happy with the turnout and participation. Sports remain essential for children’s physical fitness, teamwork, and leadership development,” he said.
Okoyen stressed the need to promote grassroots sports and early talent discovery among young Nigerians.
“This is about catching them young. What we saw today shows great potential in football and other sports,” he added.
He explained that the “Play, Swim and Grow Initiative 2026” is aimed at improving sports infrastructure within the school.
“The project focuses on building modern play equipment and a swimming pool to enhance safety and development,” he said.
Okoyen called on individuals and organisations to support sports development through partnerships and donations, while also advocating collaboration among private schools to foster inter-school competitions.
Ruby House clinched the overall title with 189.2 points, narrowly ahead of Sapphire House, which scored 187.2 points. Zircon House came third with 168.2 points, while Moisonite placed fourth with 167.2 points.
Highlights of the event included football, basketball, volleyball, table tennis, badminton, shot put, discus, javelin, athletics, relays, and novelty races. Other activities featured were march past, tug of war, calisthenics display, lighting of the sports torch, as well as musical and dance performances.
Sapphire House won both the football and march past competitions.
The Proprietress of the school, Beatrice Okoyen, described the event as a celebration of teamwork and sportsmanship.
“This event reflects our commitment to holistic education and development of our pupils,” she said, urging students to value participation alongside victory.
She added that the initiative also aims to raise funds for the provision of quality sports facilities.
PTA Chairperson of the Benford Family Forum, Barr. (Mrs) Patricia Eric Samuel, noted that the initiative would transform sports development in the school.
“The Play, Swim and Grow Initiative will provide world-class facilities for our children’s growth and well-being,” she said, appealing to parents and stakeholders to support the N250 million project.
Special Guest of Honour, Agbedi Yeitiemone Frederick, representing Sagbama/Ekeremor Federal Constituency in Bayelsa State, commended the school’s vision.
“It is commendable to see a school prioritising sports as part of total education. These facilities will help raise confident and well-rounded individuals,” he said.
He declared the competition and project launch open, wishing participants success.
Other dignitaries at the event included Amb. Phillips, Mr. Obinna Njokwu, Dr. Rose Oriarian-Anthony, and Dr. Fortunate Fiberesima, among others.