By; JACOB ONJEWU DICKSON
The Grassroots Council for Youths Sports Initiative (GCYSI) has joined sports stakeholders across the globe to mark this year’s International Day of Sports for Development and Peace (IDSDP), observed every April 6, annually.
“GCYSI identifies with the United Nations ideals in the use of instrumentality of sport to fast track sustainable development.
“In marking this years international day of Sports for Development and Peace, our minds and hearts are with the young football players in Saminaka, Lere local government area of Kaduna State, Nigeria, whose only playing field infrastructure, Saminaka Township was taken over by a local market, denying the opportunity to play”. The group said.
The Executive Director/Team Lead of the organization, Zakari Haruna Isah described the development as sad, since it trampled on the fundamental rights of the players which is guaranteed by all UN conventions,- right to play and right to physical activity.
He appealed to Kaduna State Government to relocate the local market, as soon as possible to give way for the players to play and exercise for their wellbeing.
“The Saminaka Township is the public facility in the entire area even though deplorable was accessible to the hundreds of players within and out the town which is central to hosting the only statewide football competitions like the Governor’s cup and Governor’s Peace and Unity Cup competitions”.
Zakari Haruna called on all stakeholders to support the plight of the Saminaka young footballers and reach out to relevant government officials to ensure the end of the market encroachment on the stadium.
The International Day of Sport for Development and Peace, (IDSDP) presents an opportunity to recognize the positive role sport and physical activity play in communities and in people’s lives across the globe.
In recognition of sport’s broad influence, the global theme of IDSDP 2022 is, “Securing a Sustainable and Peaceful Future for All: The Contribution of Sport,” which creates an opportunity for the Day’s celebrations to promote the use of sport as a tool to advance human rights and sustainable development.
