The inaugural Kwara State University (KWASU) Sports Festival culminated in a vibrant showcase of athletic prowess and community spirit from July 2nd to 4th, 2024, at the University’s sports arena.
The finals of this maiden edition drew an impressive crowd of enthusiastic staff and students, all eager to participate and support various sporting events.
The festival’s grand opening was officiated by the Vice Chancellor, Professor Shaykh-Luqman Jimoh, who emphasized the festival’s purpose of uniting staff and students while highlighting their athletic talents. Professor Jimoh underscored the festival’s potential benefits for the physical and mental well-being of the University community, which was a key motivation for the Management to promote this event.
Delighted by the substantial turnout, Professor Jimoh pledged the Management’s commitment to making the KWASU Sports Festival an annual highlight on the University’s calendar. He expressed his vision of the festival becoming a cornerstone for fostering a healthier, more vibrant campus life.
Professor Ibrahim Laro Abubakar, Chairman of the KWASU Sports Council, echoed this sentiment, stating that the festival will serve as a preparatory ground for students aiming to compete in local and international sports festivals, such as the Nigerian Universities Games (NUGA) and the West African Universities Games (WAUG).
The finals kicked off with an array of track and field events, where athletes showcased their skills in sprints, long jump, and shotput. The second day was equally exciting, featuring intense competitions in badminton and volleyball, as well as strategic battles in board games like chess, scrabble, and ludo.
The climax of the festival was a thrilling novelty football match between staff and students, which kept spectators on the edge of their seats. The match ended with Team Students triumphing over Team Staff with a 3 – 1 score, much to the delight of the student body.
The final day also included a series of fun and engaging activities such as tug of war, sack race, egg race, and needle race, concluding with a grand ceremony. Awards were presented to outstanding athletes and teams, celebrating their achievements and contributions to the festival’s success.
The KWASU Sports Festival has not only set a precedent for future events but has also established itself as a significant platform for fostering sportsmanship and camaraderie within the University community.
