The inaugural Nathaniel Idowu Summer Camp ended on Friday with a vibrant closing ceremony, capping several weeks of sport, education and shared enjoyment for young participants.
A lively camp finale
- Roughly 500 children from Ajegunle, Ikorodu, Badagry and Apapa attended the finale, joined by three prominent Lagos academies: Paddisco Academy of Festac Town, Bright Star Academy of Satellite Town and Pegasus Academy of Obadore.
- The programme included competitions for Under-10 boys, Under-13 boys and girls, and Under-15 athletes. The youngsters impressed watching families and other spectators with the ability, self-discipline and assurance they had developed during the camp.
- Chief Yemi Idowu, the camp’s sponsor, formally brought the event to a close and renewed the Nathaniel Idowu Foundation’s pledge to help young people grow through sport and related programmes.
- More than 190 parents watched from the venue as their children displayed their talents.
- Both the children and their parents thanked the Foundation for providing what they described as an opportunity capable of transforming lives.
- Although the camp has finished, the knowledge gained, relationships formed and values promoted through sport are expected to help the youngsters become better equipped for the years ahead.
A long-running family initiative
Idowu said the summer programme has been organised by the Idowu family for approximately 40 years. It was created especially for school-holiday periods, giving children a constructive alternative to being left without activities and becoming idle.
Participation is entirely free, Idowu emphasised, with children required only to complete registration and pay for their own transport to the venue.
Those taking part are also provided with meals and gifts.
Looking further ahead, Idowu outlined plans for a football development pathway built around age-group tournaments. He noted that players who competed in last year’s Under-14 category are now moving up to the Under-16 level.
