At 2nd Annual Inter-House Sports Competition: Canadian Gateway Schools Champions Holistic Education for Students
By DAPO OLAWUNI
The Canadian Gateway Schools, a primary and secondary school owned by front line freight forwarder and maritime expert, Dr Timothy Awogbemi on Saturday held its 2nd Annual Inter-house Sports Competition, underscoring the importance of sports in a well-rounded education and the school’s commitment to bridging students to international opportunities.
Located in the heart of Ago Palace way, Okota Lagos, the school holds foreign academy affiliations, specifically with vision to serve as a bridge for students who aspire to study abroad, particularly in Canada, the United States of America, and the U.K.
Speaking at the Inter-house Sports Competition which drew large participation by parents, invited schools, Nollywood celebrities and maritime stakeholders including the Customs Area Controller of the Tin Can Island Command of Nigeria Customs Service, Compt Frank Onyeka, represented by Assistant Comptroller H.A Hassan, the Principal of the School, Mr Felix Ilesanmi gave an insight into how Sports is an integral part of the school curriculum.
He said that it is unfortunate that many schools today have removed the aspect of sports from their curriculum due to space constraints, even as he maintained that sports is just as important as academics.
“If we look at the world today, we see Nigerians excelling in football, athletics, and other sporting events. Yet, schools are gradually neglecting this crucial area. The reality is that many Nigerians have achieved great success in sports, sometimes even more than in academics.
“For instance, how many doctors, lawyers, or engineers own private jets? Meanwhile, several Nigerian athletes have attained that level of success through sports.
“This is why we insist on keeping sports in our curriculum, despite having a limited space. Our goal is to send a message to other schools that no matter how small their facilities are, they can still nurture students’ skills and talents. Sports are a vital part of a child’s holistic development—academically, physically, and in character” Ilesanmi stated
The Importance of Sports
Principal Ilesanmi stated that “Sports play a crucial role in shaping children’s attitudes. The determination they show in competitions is the same mindset they can apply to their academics. They strive to be the best, and if they channel that energy into their studies, the results will be remarkable.
“Sports are not just about physical exercise; they build confidence, resilience, and teamwork. Today, we see students working together to achieve their goals. This teamwork is a valuable life skill.
“Additionally, sports contribute significantly to health and well-being. In this digital age, where people spend hours sitting in front of screens, physical activity is essential. A sedentary lifestyle can be harmful, and it is crucial to engage in activities that promote movement and exercise.
“Even parents will participate in today’s program. As the event concludes, we will involve them in simple activities to emphasize the importance of physical fitness. Sports contribute to both physical and mental health, making them indispensable.
Affiliation and International Opportunities
“You may wonder about the name Canadian Gateway High School and whether we have an affiliation with Canada. Yes, we do. Our vision is to serve as a bridge for students who aspire to study abroad, particularly in Canada, the U.S., and the U.K.
“We have established partnerships with several universities and secondary schools in Canada, including Thompson Rivers University and Acadia University. Our students also collaborate with secondary schools such as Bodwell High School. Last summer, our students visited Bodwell College for a month, attending classes, going on excursions, and participating in sports. At the end of their stay, they received Canadian certificates. This is now an annual program.
“For students who wish to further their studies abroad, we assist with the admission process. This service is available not only to our students but also to anyone interested. Simply visit us, and we will guide you through the process.
Our Journey So Far
“Canadian Gateway High School is only three years old. Although we are still young, we have a big vision. Some may believe that because our student population is small, we should wait before expanding, but we are determined to start now. We want people to see our commitment to excellence from the beginning.
Gratitude and Acknowledgment
“A great deal of effort has gone into organizing this event, and we appreciate the support from everyone involved. Our parents have been incredibly supportive, actively participating in the planning process. Their involvement has been invaluable.
“Our staff also deserve immense recognition. Training young children and preparing them for an event like this is no small task. Their dedication and hard work have made this day a success, and I sincerely commend them” Ilesanmi concluded.
Some of the sporting events which made the competition colourful included; 100 meter hurdles junior boys and girls, 100 meter hurdles senior boys and girls, 4 by 100 metre relay boys and girls, picking the ball by blindfolding, walking with daddies shoes, fill in the bottles among others.
Other games undertaken were; wheeling the tyre, catching the school bus, bursting the balloons, one legged race and many others.
See beautiful pictures of the event below
