By Isiaq Ibrahim
The Lagos State Rugby Association has proclaimed the date for the inauguration of inter-schools Rugby 7’s competition for secondary schools.
The competition tagged: “Governor’s cup” is set to become an annual competition amongst secondary schools across the five divisions of the state.
According to the statement released by the Rugby media team, the competition will be held from 18th to 19th of October for the year 2023 at CMS Grammar School, Bariga, Lagos State.
“In partnership with Ibudó Rugby Association, we are seeking to foster teamwork and still the core values of sportsmanship within the student community,” the statement read in part.
The competition will have the participation from fifteen secondary schools in the U18 and U15 age categories, both boys’ and girls’ teams will fiercely compete for top honours.
While speaking about the preparation ahead of the competition, the Chairman for Lagos State Rugby Association, Hon. Olarinde Williams asserted that the tournament will gear up the development and improvement of Rugby games across the school in the state.
“The Lagos State Rugby Association, in collaboration with Ibudó Rugby Association are proud to present the inaugural inter-schools Rugby 7’s tournament,” he said.
Hon. Olarinde noted that the competition is aimed to give out the positive result to develop and expand the Rugby sport in schools across the five divisions of the state.
“This tournament will provide an excellent platform for the schools that have already benefited from our program to showcase their progress and inspire more schools to join in,” he said.
The Chairman extended his gratitude to the Executive Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his visionary leadership and support for sports development in the state.
He furthered the laud the efforts of Lagos State Sports Commission: chairman, Director General, Director or Schools sports, and Director of sports development. Adding “Most appreciating goes to our sponsors – The Rotary Club, Lekki Golden and Poscari Isotonic, as well as many others who have contributed significantly to make this inaugural competition a reality.”
“We hope that this tournament will be a resounding success, contributing significantly to the growth of Rugby in Lagos State,” he concluded.
The Chairman for Ibudó Rugby Association, Mr. Michael Ogunbiyi, Said he was happy to be leading the charge of development of Rugby in Lagos State.
“We are pleased to have initiated this partnership with LASG, with our coaches actively engaged in mentoring kids. Prior to this, we have organised two sets of exhibition tournaments in 7-a-sides, but this marks the first full-contact competition,” he noted.
Mr. Michael appreciated the Lagos State Rugby for the recognition of collaboration and with their team towards the development of Rugby game in various schools.
In his conclusion, he urged the Lagos State government to facilitate the competition with adequate funding.
“I believe the state and indeed Nigeria can thrive as a Rugby nation. This would enable Ibudó and Team Lagos to concentrate on nurturing young talents, producing elite players for the nation.”
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