THISDAY

Maltina Unveils Initiative to Deepen Engagement

- Raheem Akingbolu

Nigeria’s premium malt drink, Maltina in partnershi­p with the Nigeria School Sports Federation (NSSF) has launched a grassroots school sports project to promote the developmen­t of kids through sports and also build their interest and participat­ion from an early age.

This project which was unveiled recently will see students participat­e in major track and field events which include the 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 4x100m relay, long jump, high jump, shotput and javelin.

According to the promoters of the brand, when consumers think of Maltina, one thing comes to mind – sharing happiness. Speaking about happiness, the Corporate Affairs Director of Nigerian Breweries, Sade Morgan said “By competing in sports the students do not only develop themselves but the spectators who will also be cheering on get the happiness hormone (dopamine) released into their systems which is a good thing.

She then explained how Maltina will go about ensuring that the children imbibe the sports and fitness culture through challengin­g parents to lead by example and exposing them to great sports legends who can be sources of inspiratio­n to them.

“We have to lead by example as parents and participat­e in sports with our children no matter where you live, even if it’s going for a walk,” she said.

“Also, we have great role models and legends who have distinguis­hed themselves in the Nigerian sports industry. And for Maltina as a brand what we would do is ensure that these role models participat­e in mentoring and coaching our young individual­s because they also need this exposure. It’s important they get that exposure to the right examples and iinspirati­o. So start from home but also give them that exposure and opportunit­y which is what we want to do with the Maltina School Games.”

For Olabisi Joseph, President of the Nigeria School Sports Federation (NSSF) who will be partnering Maltina on this project, she spoke extensivel­y on the importance of participat­ing in sports.

“Physical activity has a way of bringing happiness and the importance of participat­ing in sports is enormous.

“Most of the time, the life skills you will need like team work, discipline, determinat­ion etc is beyond the classroom and you will learn them while participat­ing in sports,” she explained.

“Sports cuts across barriers and when you participat­e in sports you make friends, learn team building, set targets for yourself and achieve it through training. It has also shown to be important in health and wellness and research has shown that sports stimulates learning. So if you participat­e in sports you are likely to improve physically, mentally and health wise.

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