Purple House Wins 9th Biennial JNISSI Schools Inter-House Sports

Purple House emerged overall winners in the ninth biennial JNISSI Schools Inter-House Sports Competition, delivering a dominant performance in multiple events.

The house won a total of 27 gold, 24 silver and 17 bronze medals to secure first place. The Red House followed closely in second position with 27 gold, 21 silver and 16 bronze medals, while the Yellow House came in third place with 20 gold, 16 silver and 31 bronze medals. Green House finished fourth with 14 gold, 27 silver and 22 bronze medals.

In last March’s competition, Olive House took first place with 179 points, ahead of Cedar House with 169 points. Palm House took third position with 166 points, while Royal House completed the top four with 164 points.

The event, thematic “Legends in the Making: Bold Beginnings, Legendary Endings” included a wide range of activities including taekwondo, various sprint races (20m, 50m, 75m and 100m), 200m races, 4x100m relays, bicycle races, duathlon and novel events such as ball collecting, slipper races and filling the bottle.

Students demonstrated athleticism, teamwork and resilience throughout the competition, drawing applause from staff, parents and guests.

In her welcome address, the school principal, Pastor Bukola Olayidun (JP), emphasized the institution’s commitment to developing transformational leaders through a holistic educational approach.

He noted that the school’s curriculum integrates academics, character development and spiritual growth, with initiatives ranging from coding and robotics to faith-based leadership principles.

Citing 1 Timothy 4:8, he highlighted the importance of physical and spiritual training, adding that sports play a crucial role in developing critical thinking, emotional intelligence and perseverance among students.

Also speaking at the event, Leadership Professor Akin Akinpelu highlighted the importance of sport in child development, describing it as a vital tool for physical and mental growth.

“I think sport is wonderful. In addition to students developing their mental capacity, there is a strong connection between the physical body and the brain,” he said.

“A healthy body can positively influence what happens in the mind. Therefore, sport is an important part of children’s psychomotor development.”

He advised the youth to strive for all-round development, highlighting the need to nourish the body, mind and spirit.

“I encourage all children to become a total person, a total boy or girl, developing their spirit, soul and body. The body is crucial because it carries both the soul and the spirit,” he added.

Akinpelu further called on private investors and stakeholders to support the development of sports, particularly in schools, noting that such investments contribute to building a healthier society.

“Everyone who invests in sports activities contributes to a healthier society. If we do not have healthy people, that affects all aspects of national development,” he said.

The biennial event concluded with celebrations as Purple House lifted the overall trophy, marking another memorable edition of the school’s sporting tradition.