NOA urges talent discovery through school sports

National Orientation Agency (NOA) has emphasised the need to discover great talents through investment in school sports.

Mr Mkpoutom Mkpoutom, the NOA Director in Akwa Ibom, made the call on Wednesday at the Kingdom Ray Secondary Schools annual inter-house sports competition in Ikot Obio Ndoho, Mkpat Enin.

Mkpoutom said that secondary schools sports served as a critical breeding ground for talents in various sporting activities.

The NOA official further said that the importance of school sports to future talent discovery, character building, and national unity could not be over emphasised.

He urged school administrators, sports coaches, and community leaders to collaborate in organising regular inter-school competitions, training workshops, and talent-hunt events

“Sports have the power to transform lives and communities. By investing in school sports, we are not just producing athletes, we are building responsible citizenry.

“Through school sports, we build citizens who understand the values of teamwork, perseverance, and fair play,” he said.

Mkpoutom said that investment in school sports would not only uncover hidden talents, but would keep the students positively engaged, disciplined, and physically fit.

“This advocacy aligns with broader national efforts to revive school sports, which have historically produced notable sports men and women,” he said.