As part of events marking the international Day of Sport for Development and Peace (IDSDP) on April 6, Netballers held a three-team netball open challenge event at the premises of Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenogoa, the Bayelsa State capital.

The event involved students from two secondary schools – Redeemers International School and Tare Pet Montessori School as well as the Sports Council All Stars Netball Team.

The guest of honour at the event was the Bayelsa State Director of Sports, Sir Braveman Wodi.

The three netball teams were kitted by Lord’s Taverners, a UK based sports kits recycling NGO. The ambiance at the venue was balanced with peace, sports and music.

Since “PROJECT 2027” netball training event started in Nigeria in July 2022, this is the first time students with netball trained teachers/coaches are having an inter-school event. Netball was re-introduced to Bayelsa State by CSED (Community Sport and Educational Development) Initiative in January 2023.

At the end of the matches, Tare Pet Montessori School emerged the winner of the event which was coordinated by Catherine Sasuode and powered by CSED Initiative.
During a post-event discussion with Catherine Sasuode, a Trustee of CSED Initiative stated that they will do all they can to use netball to empower the girl child in Bayelsa State.

This they hope to do by providing the teachers/netball coaches with access to safeguarding training, as well as access to other free online sports for change courses to broaden their knowledge and help them to nurture well rounded students and athletes.

CSED hope to build on their cordial relationship with the good people of Bayelsa state, by exploring the possibility of bringing badminton (“Shuttle Time”) training to Bayelsa state before the end of the third term of the ongoing school year.