The Vice-Chancellor, National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Prof. Olufemi Peters, has described the annual Inter-House Sporting Competition of NOUN Staff School (NSS) as an avenue for identifying young athletic talents.

The Vice-Chancellor, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration, Prof. Issac Sammani Rabo Bustwat, stated this in his speech at the NSS' 7th Annual Inter-House Sports Competition held in Kaduna. 

Butswat, who extended the felicitation of the Vice-Chancellor to the management, staff and parents of the pupils, said the VC could not make it due to other official engagements. 

He said the competition served as an avenue through which young talents could be discovered, and underscored the importance of sports activities as they aid mental development of children. 

Sporting activities, he said, are a health therapy for some ailments and mostly doctors advise people on the need to engage in exercise in order to reverse or prevent some ailment. 

"This has without doubt also provided a pleasure of entertainment for both children, parents and the esteem guests who serve as spectators at the event," said VC. 

He applauded the management of the school for organising the event annually and also congratulated the Green House, which after participating in series of field and track events, excelled and garnered the highest points to clinch the first position.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Director, Centre for Human Resource Development (CHRD), Dr. Aminu Umar, appreciated the Vice-Chancellor for being part of the event. 

He stated that with the kind of developments emanating from the school it has shown that the school is going places. 

Umar thanked the university management for the endless interventions and contributions the school receives whenever the need arises.

He assured the management of his total commitment and determination in taking the school to the highest level. 

Four participants: Green House, Blue House, Yellow House and Red House took part in the competition, which involved field and track events. 

Some of the field and track events were relay, egg race, tug of war, fill in the bottle, sack race, teachers and parent race, among others. 

The Director, SERVICOM, Mrs. Margaret Boro, stood for the registrar, Mr. Oladipo Ajayi, as the Kaduna centre and the Nigerian Air Force Base Special Study Centre were well represented. 

Distinguished and eminent personalities from all walks of life graced the annual event.

Green House emerged the overall winner with 71 points, Blue House, who were the defending champion came second with 63 points while Yellow and Red Houses came 3rd and 4th with 61 and 53 points, respectively.