The inaugural Basic Education School Sport (BESS) Games kicked off in Abuja, igniting a vibrant competition among thousands of young athletes from 25 states, including the host, Abuja.
Organized by the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) in partnership with the Nigeria School Sports Federation (NSSF), is designed to unearth talents among primary school pupils across Nigeria.
Participants are competing in nine sports: athletics, badminton, chess, football, volleyball, handball, scrabble, table tennis, and ayo.
UBEC Deputy Executive Secretary, Bala Zakari, highlighted the collaborative effort behind the event. He acknowledged the support from state UBECs and the NSSF, adding that the 10-day tournament would not have been possible without their contributions. Zakari encouraged athletes to embrace friendly competition throughout the games.
NSSF President Olabisi Joseph expressed excitement over the event’s potential, saying, “For 10 days, we will witness great displays of talent among our learners and the birth and discovery of future Olympians. Already, 25 states and the FCT, with close to 1,000 participants, are in Abuja for the games. Sports is a magnificent tool for unity, friendship, character building, and generally having a sound mind in a sound body, ultimately creating better citizens and a better nation.”
Joseph further emphasized the federation’s mission, stating, “NSSF is committed to promoting and developing sports activities among students in Nigeria. We believe that sports play a vital role in the holistic development of young individuals, cultivating essential life skills such as discipline, resilience, leadership, and teamwork. We will continue to provide platforms for our children to compete with their counterparts as an affiliate of the International School Sport Federation.”
The opening ceremony showcased a colorful cultural performance by the Abuja School Band, with top UBEC officials kicking off a ceremonial football match to mark the event’s beginning.
Currently, Ondo State leads the medal standings with four gold, two silver, and three bronze medals, followed closely by FCT Abuja, which has earned three gold, four silver, and two bronze medals. Ondo dominated the table tennis events, taking gold in both mixed doubles and boys’ doubles. In the Ayo category, Lagos, Abuja, Ondo, and Osun claimed gold in singles and doubles events. Kaduna excelled in volleyball, securing gold in the girls’ event, while Abuja and Borno claimed silver and bronze medals, respectively.
The BESS Games are set to continue, showcasing Nigeria’s young athletic talents and promoting unity through sports.
