By Eric Ojo
The Community Sport and Educational Development (CSED) Initiative has announced plans to collaborate with relevant authorities to introduce netball to secondary schools in the Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State. This decision follows the impressive progress made by netballers from the University of Nigeria Secondary School, Nsukka, within a short period of time.
CSED Initiative, a sport-for-change NGO, aims to use sports-related activities to promote literacy and social well-being among Nigerian children and youth. The organization’s primary goal is to develop well-balanced future sports men and women, and empower young people to fulfill their potential and achieve their dreams of earning a living while representing Nigeria in international sporting competitions.
The NGO has been at the forefront of promoting netball in Nigeria for years. Recently, it supported the introduction of netball to the University of Nigeria Secondary School as a pilot project. The organization’s satisfaction with the performance of student netballers who participated in the school’s 17th biennial inter-house sports event was expressed in a statement released to the media over the weekend.
CSED Initiative also hinted at the possibility of rolling out its Sporting Coders program in the school, allowing students to benefit from it as well. “The Trustees of CSED Initiative must also explore the opportunity of introducing their ‘Sporting Coders’ program to the University Secondary School Nsukka in 2025,” the statement said.
The inter-house sports competition, which began on November 6, 2024, concluded with a grand final on December 11 at the 41-year-old school’s premises. For the first time in the school’s history, netball was introduced by the school management led by Uche Adama. Approximately seventy female students competed in the netball event, which was the highlight of the competition.
The students showcased the knowledge and skills they learned from Oluchi Ngwoke and their other Physical Education (P.E.) teachers. In the final netball match, Green House emerged victorious against Red House, while Pink House claimed third place by defeating Yellow House. Adaeze Chigbochieaha of Pink House was the top goal scorer, and Charles-Nnadi Chibundo of Yellow House was named the most valuable player.
The introduction of netball has generated significant excitement among the female students, who were thrilled by their performance during the competition. The students quickly mastered the rules and skills needed to excel in the game.
Prof. F.A. Okwo, Chairman of the school Board of Governors, commended the staff and students for hosting a successful inter-house competition. He also emphasized the important role sports play in the general well-being and health of students.
