Sports
Benefits Of Sports Resonate At GTC Meet Old Boys Plan Golden Jubilee
President of the Old Boys Association, Government Technical College ( GTC) Port Harcourt, Engr. Lucky Okachi has said that the importance and benefit of sports in the lives of individuals cannot be over emphasised.
According to Okochi, who was chairman at the 2020 Inter House Sports event of GTC, last week. Sporting activities make people stronger, ensure healthy living and promote friendship among all ages.
He explained that during sports competition a lot of talents are discovered that would in near future become world class athletes that would represent the state and country at international sports competitions.
He noted that this year’s edition of the school’s Inter House sports was significant and unique because it marks it’s Golden Jubilees.
“The cutting of the Inter House Sports cake the was an indication of the good plan we have to mark the Golden Jubilee of our Alma mater, Engr. Lucky Okochi promised.
He however, expressed dissatisfaction with the deplorable condition of the school premises, adding that there was the need for government and good spirited individuals to come to the aid of the school in order to tackle the erosion inside the school.
“This school is one of the schools the state government should pay attention so as to tackle the issue of erosion that has engulfed the entire school premises, Engr. Okochi pleaded.
He pleaded for the support of the government at all levels to step up policies on technical education and expressed delight with the performances of the students, adding that they have the potential to become World class athletes..
Earlier, Principals of the ( senior secondary). Mrs Roseline Adoo and Mr Anthony Wosu ( UBE) explained that the 2020 sports meet of the school was it’s 33rd senior secondary and 14th UBE Junior Secondary of the college, saying that it is historical because it is sequel to the school’s golden celebration.
She maintained that one of the benefits of sports is that it helps students and people be in psychological and emotional condition to excel.
“Sports as we all know have taken people to places they least expected. Apart from monetary gain and value one can derive from sports. It has been on record that students who participate in sports are emotionally and physically stable.
The Bayelsa State government, yesterday, announced that the marathon will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
The inaugural race is owned by the Bayelsa State Government and will be organised by Nilayo Sports Management Limited, a sports management company.
Under the theme “The Reveal,” the race represents a bold unveiling of Bayelsa’s immense human and cultural potential to the international community, inviting the world to witness the resilience, grit, and talent rooted in the heart of the Niger Delta.
According to the organisers, the race will be flagged off at 9:30 a.m., at the Opolo Roundabout, guiding participants through a carefully designed 10-kilometre route that highlights the scenic beauty and vibrant atmosphere of Yenagoa.
The course will culminate at Peace Park Square, where athletes will cross the finish line into a grand celebration of endurance, unity, and community spirit.
To elevate the experience for runners and spectators alike, the finish venue will host a high-energy post-race concert featuring performances from top A-list artistes, blending sport and entertainment in a festival-style atmosphere.
The organisers directed all registered participants to collect their race bibs and kits at the designated Peace Park Square between March 30 and April 3, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily.
The race, according to them, is currently on track for World Athletics accreditation, underscoring the commitment of both the Bayelsa State Government and Nilayo Sports Management Limited to delivering an event that meets the highest global standards.
The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, on Friday continued the Commission’s nationwide appreciation tour with a visit to Abeokuta, where outstanding junior athlete, Majekodunmi Afusat Bisola, was presented with a cheque of N3 million.
The presentation forms part of the NSC’s initiative to recognise and reward exceptional junior athletes who distinguished themselves in 2025 and contributed significantly to Nigeria’s medal haul.
Majekodunmi delivered an impressive run of performances on the track. At the last edition of the National Sports Festival, she stormed to gold in the 400m and the 4x400m relay. She replicated the double triumph at the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Junior Championship, in Abeokuta, before emerging as one of the standout stars at the African Youth Games in Luanda, Angola.
Speaking during the presentation, Olopade explained that the Commission deemed it necessary to extend financial appreciation to grassroots athletes after elite performers had earlier received grants running into thousands of dollars.
“A few weeks ago, after paying grants to our elite athletes, we agreed tthere was a need to also appreciate these young, budding talents who made Nigeria proud last year,” he said.
He disclosed that of the 376 medals recorded by Nigerian athletes in 2025, more than 200 were won by grassroots talents, underscoring the importance of sustained investment in youth development.