As part of the activities marking the 2025 International Day of Sports for Development and Peace, the Lagos State Sports Commission in collaboration with the Global Ambassadors Initiative has announced a series of events commemorating the celebration.
At a media briefing held on Friday at the Conference Room of the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Director General, Lekan Fatodu discussed extensively the significance of sports in propagating youth empowerment, social cohesion and bridging the gaps in segregating some members of the society.
The LSSC boss stated that the IDSDP is in harmony with the commission mandate of encouraging mass participation in sports, providing an enabling environment for youth to exhibit their hidden talent irrespective of their social status and background.
The theme for this year’s celebration is ’Leveling the Playing Field: Sports for Social Inclusion’, Fatodu highlights the role of sports in bringing everybody on the board and ensuring that no one is neglected. He acknowledged its positive impact in challenging stereotypes and prejudices, giving voices to the voiceless and fostering gender equality.
The Lagos state government through the sports commission, over time, has leveraged the power of sports in bringing the youth into the limelight, providing opportunities for talents to combine sports with education to raise future leaders and champions from the communities.
The partnership with Carmel Academy to mark the International Day of Sports for Development and Peace attests to the power of collaboration with the Lagos State Sports Commission, Ministry of Education, Lagos State Universal Basic Education, Sports Providing Entities and corporate sponsors.
Executive Trustee of Ambassador Initiatives for Youth Development and Conflict Resolution, Ndidi Edeoghon, said the IDSDP was designed to showcase the impact of sports on social changes, bridging the gap of inequality, gender sensitivity, promoting a healthy environment and the immense contributions to the livelihood.
The International Day of Sports for Development and Peace is celebrated globally on April 6th every year, as designated by the United Nations General Assembly. The three-day event will feature about 1000 pupils and students from selected primary and secondary schools across the state. The debate, competition and award ceremony are set for May 7th, 8th and 10th respectively.
After the Leadership debate on the opening day, participate in Athletics, Swimming and Board Games including Ayo Olopon on the second day while pupils and students who perform exceptionally well in both debate and sports activities will get awards and certificates on the final day.
