Parents urged to encourage children in sports

From left, Professor Jide Bademosi; cricket coach, Mr Ukong Okon; former governor of Oyo State, Dr Victor Olunloyo and the Chairman, Ibadan Cricket League, Dr Kolade Munsoro during the kick off of the Ibadan Cricket League last Sunday.

Commissioner for Youth and Sports in Oyo State, Mr Abayomi Oke, has advised parents to encourage their wards to imbibe sports as a means of exercising both the body and mind.

Oke, gave the advice last Sunday during the opening of the Ibadan Cricket League at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Ibadan.

He urged parents to create ample time to take their children to sports centres and events, emphasising that this would serve to encourage the children’s involvement in sports.

According to him, the model used in the cricket games is being used in other sports. This, he, said, would help to get the youths closer to the sports of their interest and choice.

“Having five teams in the cricket competition is a welcome development. I will, however, implore the coaches not to relent in their efforts and to ensure that they get the best out of the youths,” he said.

Oke stated that the competition was coming at a time when government was all out to inspire youths to take to sports.

He then promised that the government would continue to do more for the development of sports in the state.

In his opening remarks as the special guest of honour, Dr Victor Olunloyo, a former governor of Oyo State, said he was happy to see sports, particularly the cricket game, being revived.

“Playing the cricket is a game of the brain and if well developed, they can compete with their counterparts in other countries,” he said.

The Secretary of the Oyo State Cricket Association, Miss Taiwo Aina, said the competition was organised to enhance the development of the game in the state.

“This would also go a long way in encouraging upcoming cricketers and increasing its awareness at the grass roots,” Aina said.

Sunday’s opening match was between Alakya 11 and Bademosi 11.

Meanwhile, the 6-week league, which is to be played on Saturdays and Sundays, will begin on November 4.

The teams to feature in the league include: Oluyole Cricket Club, Liberty Youth Cricket Club, Government College Ibadan Old Boys Association Cricket Club and the Government College lbadan school team and Ibadan-Indian Cricket Club.

Dignitaries at the event include: Dr Kolade Munsoro, who is the Chairman of the Ibadan Cricket League, Professor Jide Bademosi and Dr Tunde Oni, among others.