Sports is one of the best ways to instill discipline, leadership, resilience, perseverance and hard work on students. Sports days are vibrant, energetic events that bring together students, teachers, and families to celebrate physical fitness, teamwork, and school spirit. Sports Day, or Interhouse Sports, is a day dedicated to sporting activities that form an integral part of a holistic education and culture. Research has consistently shown that participating in sports creatively supports affective, cognitive, and psychomotor development of students.

You may know that most schools, including Higher Education Institutions, often designate a day or more each year or biennially for sporting activities. Known as Sports Day in the UK, this event fosters unity by bringing together parents, pupils or students, the community, and the entire school staff – both teaching and non-teaching. It offers a chance for everyone to set aside the daily hustle and celebrate sports together.

I recently attended an Interhouse Sports event at Hubert Ogunde Memorial School in Nigeria, equivalent to Sports Day in the UK, as part of my Digital Inclusion Tour. This tour supports thousands of Commonwealth school owners, educators, and teachers with digital inclusion, aligning with my commitment to the UK’s Integrated Review.

It was a lovely three-day event, kind of like the Olympics, with similar opening march past ceremonies showcasing the different houses or teams, followed by heat events, and the finals on the third day. It involves a lot of training and practice, leadership, teamwork, problem-solving and support for the individuals representing the competing houses from their peers.

See the photos from the Interhouse Sport Day in Nigeria below.

In comparison to the UK’s Sport Day, where every pupil is awarded, I found Nigeria’s Interhouse Sport event to be much more competitive with only the competing representatives receiving medals for participation and achievement. 

Sports Days are filled with exciting activities, from races to team games, creating an atmosphere of camaraderie and healthy competition. For students, it’s a chance to showcase their athletic abilities and enjoy a break from the regular academic routine. Parents’ presence at these events not only boosts the morale of the young competitors but also strengthens the school community, showing children that their efforts are valued and supported.

By attending, parents can cheer on their kids, creating lasting memories and fostering a sense of pride and accomplishment.