Alumni Bodies Catalyst for Sustainable Sports Development

Globally, research has shown that the genuine and selfless involvement of educational institutions’ alumni bodies in furtherance of the individual institution’s vision and mission advancement is not only a pride to an alumnus, but a great catalyst for sports development.

Today, sport has been the major bedrock of effective youth engagement, development, and where possible empowerment.

Therefore, to drum support for this novel ideal, Leslie Oghomienor, Chairman Blaugrana Sports Group International, on hearing that the Sports Committee, Alumni Association, Saints Gregory’s College, Obalende, Lagos, a school in the past that was in the very forefront of shinning very brightly in both local and international academic sports competition, during the week, decided to visit the institution and see areas where his organisation can be of help in the facilitation that will ginger the restoration of the school’s leadership in sports.

Speaking with the media, after the meeting with the Administrator, St. Gregory College, Obalende, Lagos, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Ayeni, said it is a very welcome development. A very well refined lubricant in the wheels of the re-invention of the institution’s past glory.

He stressed that, the inculcation of high moral values and good character formation, which he agrees, are genuine parts of raising legendary sportsmen and women, as well as respectable and selfless leaders must not be watered down for any reason, if we are aspiring to see the much-desired change. Every citizen, including the children, youths, must be interested, take responsibility and work hard persistently in the direction of reaching our individual goals and objectives which collectively brings about the much anticipated tremendous change.

“As very valuable stakeholders in these areas - education and sports, our vision is to see our children do greater exploits than us, becoming not only great leaders, but dependable and reliable in their pursuits, for the good and wellbeing of the larger human race,” he said

Oghomienor collaborating Ayeni’s views, said, that, a lot eminent and great stars have emerged who have done their institutions and the nation very proud locally and internationally. Even beyond the sports arenas are products from well-organised competitive sports programmes of the old days. A phenomenon he strongly believes if reignited will make an impactful great difference in the overall development and raising of patriotic and selfless young leaders and respectable sports legends that we will all be proud of as a nation.

“As an individual, and as a representative of my organisation we believe that wealth- no matter in what form, is better enjoyed when genuinely and selflessly shared, without strings attached, and of us when the haves in the alumni bodies give back to, not only their schools but others who might not be as rich,” Oghomienor said.