The international day of sports for development and peace is an annual celebration held to showcase and enlighten the general public regarding the power of sports in driving social change, community development, fostering peace and understanding.

The Executive Chairman, Kwara State Sports Commission, Coach Bolakale Adisa, has revealed that sport is a medium for national unity, integration, and language learning.

Bolakale stated this in an interview held at the Kwara State Football Academy, against the backdrop of the International Day of Sports for Development and Peace, commemorated every year on 6th April.

In his statement, coach Adisa highlighted fitness, health and finances as the major benefits of sports, adding that an individual could become successful in life through sports. He however stressed the importance of formal education which is essential in improving the human brain. He also disclosed that sport is a medium for cultural, social and academic improvement.

The Nigerian sports sector faces challenges, however, events on the International Day of Sports for Development and Peace demonstrates the potential of sports to unite communities, promote peace, and drive social development.

Coach Adisa revealed some factors that might pose a threat to the achievement of development and peace through sports. He mentioned; winning at all costs, lack of appropriate funding, corruption and lack of cohesive policies. He however urged the government to invest heavily in sports.

Investments in grassroots programs, improved facilities, and support for athletes are essential to harness sports’ transformative power for national development.

Coach Adisa concluded by advising that sports should be incorporated into the school curriculums and appropriate sports facilities and infrastructures be provided as sports is an avenue of promoting peace and development across all levels.