The Down Syndrome Foundation Nigeria orchestrated a vibrant display of athleticism and sporting prowess at its 2025 inter-house sports competition, held at the Ansarudeen Grammar School in Surulere, Lagos. The event, now in its 18th year, showcased the abilities of students under the foundation’s care, while also extending invitations to other special and conventional schools, fostering a spirit of inclusivity and friendly competition. Beyond the athletic spectacle, the event served as a crucial platform to raise awareness about the needs and potential of individuals with intellectual disabilities, promoting their integration into society.
The inter-house sports competition is a key event linked to World Down Syndrome Day, observed annually on March 21st. It serves as a potent reminder of the importance of social integration and inclusivity for individuals with Down syndrome. Nike Denis, the National Administrator of the Down Syndrome Foundation Nigeria, emphasized the significance of the event in creating awareness and driving advocacy efforts. The event’s success in drawing increasing public participation is a testament to the foundation’s tireless work in promoting understanding and acceptance of individuals with intellectual disabilities. However, the journey towards full inclusion is ongoing, and the foundation remains committed to achieving further progress.
Rose Mordi, the National President of the foundation, highlighted a critical challenge – the lack of adequate structural support from the government for individuals with intellectual disabilities. She lamented the fact that these individuals are often left behind due to the absence of appropriate frameworks that would enable their full participation in society. This lack of governmental support creates a significant barrier to the progress and well-being of individuals with intellectual disabilities. Mordi celebrated the growing involvement of parents in the foundation’s activities, recognizing the positive impact this has on the children’s sense of belonging and self-worth. The increased parental engagement is a vital component in fostering a supportive and encouraging environment for the children.
The Parent Teacher Association (PTA), led by Bunmi Sosina, played a crucial role in bolstering the foundation’s efforts. The PTA rallied parents to provide unprecedented support for the event, demonstrating a strong commitment to the children’s development and well-being. This collective effort underscores the importance of community involvement in supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities and creating a more inclusive society. The combined efforts of the foundation, the PTA, and the broader community create a synergistic force that empowers these individuals and fosters their growth.
Linkage Assurance and NSIA Insurance, partners of the foundation, underscored their commitment to supporting the children, emphasizing that their involvement extends beyond mere corporate social responsibility. They recognize the inherent value of investing in the lives of these individuals and are dedicated to making a meaningful difference. This commitment highlights the importance of private sector involvement in supporting social causes and contributing to positive societal change. The collaboration between the foundation and its corporate partners demonstrates the power of collective action in addressing the needs of marginalized communities.
The inter-house sports competition featured a diverse range of activities, catering to the varied abilities and interests of the participants. The events included a march past, showcasing the children’s pride and enthusiasm, sack races, promoting coordination and fun, 100m and 50m races, encouraging speed and agility, tug of war, fostering teamwork and strength, and relay races, emphasizing collaboration and sportsmanship. These activities provided opportunities for the children to display their skills, build camaraderie, and experience the joy of competition. The inclusion of invited schools further enhanced the spirit of inclusivity and promoted interaction between students with and without disabilities.
The competition culminated in a closely contested finale, with Red House emerging as the champions, narrowly edging out Yellow House. Blue House secured the third position, completing the roster of winners. Beyond the final results, the true victory lay in the spirit of participation, the celebration of abilities, and the promotion of inclusivity that permeated the event. The inter-house sports competition served as a powerful testament to the potential of individuals with Down syndrome and reinforced the importance of creating a society that embraces and supports their full participation. The event was a resounding success, not only in terms of athletic achievements but also in its broader impact on raising awareness and fostering a more inclusive community.
