There was an unusual influx of children into the MKO Abiola Sports Complex, Abeokuta, on Tuesday, thanks to the 2024 Children’s Day celebration, which coincided with one of the most action-packed days at the prime venue of the 22nd National Sports Festival, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
As early as 10:00 am, most of the children in the arena had arrived with their parents, guardians, and some were on excursion from their schools, criss-crossing the several facilities inside the stadium before settling for their preferred live event.
It was day five of the athletics event at the Gateway Games 2024 with events like the 4x400m relay heats, 200m finals and pole vault thrilled the children inside the 10,000-capacity stadium while swimming, tennis and abula also ran simultaneously.
Some of the parents, guardians, teachers and the children spoke with our correspondent, sharing not just their excitement but also how the Gateway Games 2024 has ignited their passion for sports.
The Onabanjos inspired by the Williams sisters
An accountant, Olusegun Onabanjo, who came with his two daughters to the stadium, is a lover of football, but he was inspired to push his girls to start playing tennis.
“It wasn’t easy for me to bring them here because of time, and they have been disturbing me to come see what is going on at the MKO Abiola Stadium,” Onabanjo said.
“I love football, but as I was coming, I got to the tennis court area and I told one of my children that this is the sport I would like you to do. I told her I was going to buy her the racket and give her all the support.
“I know the Williams sisters got the support of their father, and I believe they will excel too if I do that for my children as well.”
Learning to run the race of life from track stars
A number of students from a Muslim college in Sagamu, Ogun State, also made the trip to Abeokuta to catch the sports festival. For their administrative officer, Abdulqayyum Ibrahim, the 4x400m relay heats were a perfect avenue to teach the children about endurance.
“As they are watching the athletes perform on the track, I believe they will be inspired and know that determination is the key to success. They have seen them strive in the 4x400m relay, and they could see how endurance is needed to succeed. This will make them understand that they must represent themselves and the school with all they have. This is coming at a perfect time.”
The lucky pupils from Ibadan
All the way from Ibadan, another school were on an excursion in Abeokuta. According to their leader, Simisola Adebowale, visiting the stadium wasn’t in their itinerary, but they had to when they realised the sports festival was on.
Two of their pupils, Daniel Wonder and Darasimi Olayinka, were visiting a stadium for the first time, and the experience fueled their love for sports.
“I would like to be a volleyball player, and I know I can combine that with my education and also become a doctor. I know doctors also treat the biggest athletes in the world, and I hope I can do that too,” Wonder said.
“I like football and I want to become a lawyer too. I feel like this will make me come more often,” Olayinka also told our correspondent.
Time to introduce sports to our school
One of the thousands of children at the stadium, Salawu Oluwajomilolu, wants to become a footballer, but he hasn’t been exposed to the game at any level.
However, his mother, Salawu Ruth, who came with other kids, also said she would encourage him and others to pursue their desires.
“This is my first time coming to the stadium since the start of the National Sports festival because this place is far from where we stay in Obada. The experience has been wonderful at the different sections of the stadium we have been to.
“In fact, one of them has been telling me now that he wants a tennis racket, and I will find a way to get that. I will also inform other parents about what they need to do as well.”
Fresh memories from Gateway Games 2006
Nineteen years after winning a gold medal in boxing during the Gateway Games 2006, Olawale Adekunle returns to the MKO Abiola Sports Complex with his family. He relived the experience and wants his children to build a career in sports as well.
“I want my children to become sports stars as well because I was once a boxer for Ogun State. In fact, I won gold in the 2006 National Sports Festival. But I quit afterwards and faced my barbing business, which has sustained me and my family.
“Unlike me, I want my children to do athletics,” Adekunle added.
