By Ojomu Idowu

 

The 42nd edition of the 2025 Soccer and Inter-House Sports Festival, featuring the Hope Games for the Disabled, took centre stage at the School for Special Needs playground with a celebration of talent, resilience, and community support.

 

His Excellency, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, represented by the Honourable Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Dr. Lawal Olorungbebe, commended the unwavering commitment of the event’s sponsor, the Adebisi Fabiyi Foundation, Omu-Aran.

 

The Governor paid special tribute to Rev. Father Elisha Fabiyi, whose over four decades of dedicated service have shaped the lives of countless persons with disabilities — including the visually impaired, the intellectually challenged, and many others who have passed through the institution.

 

Governor AbdulRazaq noted that many students from the school, particularly deaf athletes, have continued to bring honour to Kwara State through outstanding performances at the National Youth Games and the National Sports Festival.

 

He further praised the institution for upholding its founding vision and providing a platform for students with disabilities to express their gifts. Empowering persons who are blind, deaf, or living with other challenges, he said, reflects the state’s commitment to inclusion and human capital development.

 

Also present at the ceremony were members of the Adebisi Fabiyi Foundation, the new Principal of the School for Special Needs, Hajia Rasheedat Jibril, officials of the Ministry of Education, and several distinguished guests. The sponsor received applause for creating an enabling environment where athletes could display their skill and determination.

 

Expectations are high for the next edition of the competition, with hopes that even more prizes and opportunities will be introduced.

 

In this year’s Inter-House Sports results, Yellow House emerged overall champion, followed by Green House, Blue House, and Red House in second, third, and fourth place respectively. The houses delivered outstanding performances across major events, including the 100m, 200m, and 4x400m races.

 

Invited schools also thrilled spectators with exciting relay events.

 

The atmosphere underscored one clear reality in Kwara State: talented athletes only need the right opportunities — and when given a platform, they will excel.