Kwara State School for Special Needs, Ilorin recently held her 38th Hope Games for the Disabled. The event took place on 11th and 12th, November, 2021 at the school’s playground. Activities lined up for this year’s occasion included football competition and inter-house athletics. The event was sponsored by Rev. Dr. E.A Fabiyi, who is also chairman of the Adebisi Fabiyi Foundation.
Principal of the school, Hajia Fausat Oladunni Aroyehun, in her welcome address, appreciated God for keeping the school in good condition since the last edition. She further elaborated on the aims of the Hope Games saying it is to encourage students with disabilities to participate in sporting activities and so prove their athleticism.
Hajia Fausat appreciated the continued support of Pa. E.A Fabiyi towards successful hosting of the Hope Games. Also on her appreciation list was Mrs Kemi Adeosun, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development whom Fausat thanked for gracing the occasion.
She urged athletes with disabilities to compete in a spirit of sportsmanship in order to foster harmonious relationships.
“In the 2009 National Games Competitions, our students won 8 Gold, 9 Silver and 18 Bronze medals” the principal recalled.
Sponsor of the Hope Games, Pa E.A Fabiyi, in a statement, stressed that he is passionate about motivating students with disabilities through sports so they have a sense of belonging in sporting activities. This, he believes, will better their lives.
Pa Fabiyi also disclosed that, since inception of his foundation till date, he donates a sum of #1.5 million naira for items needed to make the yearly games a success.
According to the Founder, the foundation is a Non Government Organization, hence he does not rely on the government for any kind of assistance. “It is through the help of God that I am able to sponsor these Hope Games for the Disabled”, he said.
He advised administrators, academicians, teaching and non staff of the school to keep the spirit of sportsmanship to ensure the Hope Games live up to expectations and beyond. He further prayed that God Almighty would spare our lives until then.
The event featured a football match between Kwara State School for Special Needs and Kulende Secondary School, Sango. The host school won with a 3-0 score-line and was awarded the grand trophy after emerging first position in the competition.
The inter-house athletics consisted of four houses, Blue ( Principal’s house), Red (Governor’s house), Green (PTA’s house) and Yellow (Emir’s house). The management of Kwara State School for Special Needs hosted some regular schools to participate in the inter-house athletics. This added more colour to the event.
At the end of the competition, Blue house came first. Red house was second while Green and Yellow house came third and fourth, respectively.
In the march past competition, Red house topped the chart. However Blue House was overall winner of the competition. Winners of various categories received trophies, prizes and medals.
Distinguished guests at the competition included Rev. Dr. E.A. Fabiyi, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the Executive Chairman, Kwara State Sports Commission, Mallam Bolaji Magaji, Principal, Kwara State School for Special Needs, Ilorin, Mrs. Bilikisu Abdulkadir, representative for Persons with Disabilities in Kwara State Sports Commission, SP. AP. Evang. R. A Adeoti, Chairman, Inter-House Athletics Competition and his entourage were also present.