Bayelsa schools dominate Milo Basketball Championship in Lagos

 

 

 

 Wassim El-Husseini, MD/CEO Nestlé Nigeria PLC addressing participants at the finale of the 22nd MILO Basketball Championship national finals at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos on Thursday June 30, 2022.

 

 

By Ojeikere AIKHOJE

It was a complete dominance by Bayelsa State as Bishop Dimieari Grammar School, Obom and St. Jude’s Secondary Schools Amarata claimed the boys and girls titles as the 22nd 2022 MILO Basketball Championship ended in great excitement at the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.

Bishop Dimieari Grammar School, Obom defeated Government Secondary School, Karu, FCT, 36 to 33 in a exciting encounter.

It was end-to-end action with spectators at the edge of their seats.

With the game at 33 points each and only 22 seconds left on the clock, the Bayelsa boys threw a three points shot from the center of the court that coincided with the final timer, sending the spectators into seventh-heaven.

On the other hand, the girls finals was a one-sided encounter with St. Jude’s Secondary Schools Amarata, in cruise control.

The Bayelsa School outclassed their counterparts from Akpur College, Gboko, Benue State by 38 to 14 points.

Speaking at the finals, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Nestlé Nigeria PLC, Mr. Wassim El-Husseini said the MILO Basketball Championship provides a platform to help the participants imbibe values that set the right foundation for their future.

“As they participate in sports, they learn grit – perseverance through hardship, courage to overcome fear, ability to work in a team, self-belief, respect, and leadership. We will therefore, continue to do our utmost to help shape a healthier and happier generation of Nigerians by encouraging participation in sporting activities through the MILO Basketball Championship,” he stated.

 

El-Husseini expressed gratitude to the Nigerian Schools Sports Federation (NSSF), the National Collegiate Sports Foundation (NCSF), the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), the Ministries of Sports, Youth Development and Education in the various states, for their support in ensuring the success of the Championship over the last 22 editions.

Also speaking at the National Finals, The Minister of Youth and Sports Development Mr. Sunday Dare who was represented by Professor Olawale Moronkola – Director General of the National Institute for Sports said:

“I wish to commend the commitment, passion and financial support of Nestlé to the growth of basketball in the country. It is heartwarming to note that this platform has become a gathering for discovering, nurturing and development of the so many budding talents in our dear country.”

The Honourable Minister, through his representative also congratulated all the participants and promised the Federal Government’s support to companies that invest in support sport development.

President of the Nigeria Schools’ Sports Federation (NSSF), Olabisi Joseph, who spoke on this year’s Championship said, “Nestle Nigeria PLC has made significant contribution to the growth of sports in Nigeria and the creation of a bright future for young people by supporting and promoting basketball in schools. The championship has served as a platform for showcasing and harnessing the great potential of young Nigerian students and integrating them into the mainstream of basketball.”

The MILO Basketball Championship which started with less than 500 schools in 1999, now brings together over 10,000 schools every year, with a record registration of 10, 354 schools in the 22nd edition.

 

 

About Ojeikere Aikhoje

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