Ado Salisu
The Nigeria School Sport Federation (NSSF), in collaboration with the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), has commenced a three-day capacity-building programme for Physical and Health Education (PHE) teachers in Kano State as part of efforts to strengthen grassroots sports development across the country.
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The training programme, sponsored by Olympic Solidarity, is taking place at Government Girls College (GGC), Dala, Kano, with over 100 PHE teachers participating from different parts of the state.
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The initiative follows similar successful trainings earlier conducted in Ogun and Plateau States.
Participants are being trained in Olympic Values Education Programme (OVEP), sports psychology, coaching techniques, sports science, talent identification and athlete development.
The OVEP framework, developed by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), is designed to integrate the core Olympic values of excellence, friendship and respect into classroom learning and sports activities.
Speaking during the opening ceremony, President of the Nigeria School Sport Federation, Olabisi Joseph, described the programme as a strategic investment in the future of Nigerian sports.
“Everything starts from school. If we want Nigeria to produce world-class athletes, we must start with world-class teachers,” she said.
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According to her, the programme is aimed at empowering teachers with the skills needed to nurture young talents, build character and create engaging sports strategies capable of inspiring students and promoting excellence.
She commended the Nigeria Olympic Committee led by Habu Gumel for its partnership and also appreciated the Kano State Government for supporting the hosting of the programme.
An IOC-certified expert, Abiodun Morofolu, is serving as the lead resource person for the training.
Also speaking, the NOC OVEP Programme Coordinator, Kemi Obidahunsi, urged participants to apply the knowledge gained during the training and continue improving their professional skills to positively influence students.
Among the facilitators is Musa Garba Yakasai of Bayero University Kano, who also serves as Chairman of the Technical Committee of the Nigerian Universities Games Association (NUGA).
Some participants expressed appreciation to the organisers and sponsors for their commitment to sports development at the grassroots level.
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They pledged to replicate the knowledge acquired in their various schools to help achieve the objectives of the programme.
The Kano training is part of a nationwide initiative aimed at transforming school sports development and delivery across Nigeria, with similar programmes scheduled to hold later this month in Bayelsa and Lagos States.