Children from Abesan Estate and its environs stole the spotlight at the 4th Wonderland Summer Sports Coaching, where they displayed their skills and passion across athletics, football, and basketball.
The event, which has become a platform for young talents to shine, once again proved the importance of investing in grassroots sports. From sprint races to basketball shooting contests, the kids thrilled spectators with their energy, determination, and budding talent.
The competition saw thrilling performances across various events. In the boys’ 200 metres, Korede Usman of Yellow House clinched gold ahead of Fortune Edo of Green House and Daniel Ogunsanwo, also of Yellow.
The girls’ 200 metres was dominated by defending champion Anjola Amusat of Blue House, who secured her third consecutive title, while Yellow House’s Fiyin Igbasan and Adeyemo Tunmise settled for second and third.
The “picking the ball” contest was a family affair as Folarin Olalekan of Yellow edged his brother Anthony of Green for gold, with AbdulRahman Adeleye taking bronze. Anthony, however, bounced back to win gold in the 75 metres boys.
Other highlights included Goodluck Mustapha of Green House winning the basketball shooting contest, while in the football shooting event, AbdulRahman Adeleye clinched gold, ahead of Jesse Azeta and Anthony Olalekan.
Green House emerged overall winners of the match pass, with Yellow and Blue finishing second and third. Every child went home smiling with certificates of participation, training bonuses, and special gifts courtesy of Mr. Fruts.
Speaking at the grand finale in Abesan Estate, Lagos, National Chairman of the Nigeria Football Supporters Club, Rev. Samuel Ikpea, emphasized the need for greater support for grassroots sports in Nigeria.
He linked the country’s dwindling fortunes in international competitions to the neglect of youth development, stressing that programmes like the Wonderland Summer Coaching give children a chance to showcase their abilities while keeping them productively engaged.
Ikpea, who supported the programme through his organization Dynamic Talents, praised the kids for their commitment, donated cash prizes to participants and officials, and urged the youngsters to remain steadfast in their sporting dreams.
Also speaking, Deaconess Sarah Ojo, Proprietress of Icclaim Schools, urged parents to encourage their children in sports, describing it as an essential tool in building a healthy and vibrant nation.
Event Coordinator and CEO of Wonderland Events, Tayo Adeyemo, described the coaching clinic, which began four years ago, as a valuable platform for children to nurture their dreams. He appreciated the patrons—Rev. Samuel Ikpea of Green House, Eng. Musa Kida of Yellow, and Prince Adeyemi Akinyele of Blue—for their support.