By Olutayo IRANTIOLA
In a groundbreaking move aimed at championing mental and physical wellness, Rotary International District 9110 has made history by hosting the maiden edition of the Rotary Sports Festival (ROSFEST). This visionary initiative, launched at the onset of the 2023/2024 Rotary year, embodies Rotary’s commitment to fostering inclusive communities and prioritizing mental health on a global scale.
As expounded by the Rotary International President, R. Gordon R. McInally, the call to integrate mental health initiatives into Rotary’s agenda reverberated across Rotary clubs worldwide. This way, Rotary will be taking a unique approach to mental health awareness.
As an ambassador for Bipolar UK, McInally emphasized the importance of destigmatizing discussions surrounding emotional well-being and enhancing access to mental health services. “Mental illness and emotional health may feel uncomfortable, but it’s vital to the well-being of our global community,” remarked McInally, underscoring the significance of creating safe spaces for addressing these critical issues.
Responding to this clarion call, District Governor, Rtn. Ifeyinwa Ejezie spearheaded the inaugural ROSFEST, a pioneering endeavor aimed at infusing hope through the power of sports. “This provides us with an opportunity to unwind, have fun, and address our mental well-being,” expressed Ejezie, highlighting the multifaceted benefits of the festival. This is a maiden edition and I believe future District Governors globally will embrace this concept. With the official logo unveiled at the Rotary Centre in Ikeja, Lagos in October 2023, ROSFEST symbolizes a transformative step towards holistic wellness within the Rotary community.
ROSFEST transcended traditional sporting events, encompassing a diverse array of disciplines ranging from including football, scrabble, golf, volleyball, lawn tennis, basketball, draught, chess, Badminton, ayo olopon, tug of war, and other entertaining games. Under the stewardship of committee chairman, Rotn Alozie Nsirimobi, the festival unfolded as a celebration of camaraderie and inclusivity, fostering a sense of unity among participants.
The grand finale, held at the prestigious Mobolaji Johnson Arena on 9th March 2024, showcased the culmination of months of spirited competition. The football showdown between Eko City Team and Abeokuta City Team captivated spectators, with the latter emerging victorious with a resounding 4-1 triumph. Meanwhile, the Golf Championship held at Ikoyi Club 1938 on March 1st, 2024 crowned Rotn Chidiebere Anosike, amongst 102 golfers that participated, as the champion, earning him a coveted plot of land courtesy of RESSA Project Nigeria Limited.
The success of ROSFEST would not have been possible without the generous support of sponsors such as KKF, Ello Table Water, MTN Nigeria Communications, Munro, Rite Foods, Kooki, and UfitFly. Additionally, esteemed partners including Brilla FM and the Lagos State Sports Commission lent their expertise to elevate the festival to unprecedented heights.
Looking ahead, the visionaries behind ROSFEST aspire to expand its reach beyond District 9110, envisioning a future where the festival evolves into the All-Nigeria Districts Sports Festival (NIGFEST), and ultimately, the continent-wide extravaganza known as AFRIFEST and eventually to Rotary International.
By harnessing the unifying power of sports, Rotary International District 9110 is not only promoting physical wellness but also catalyzing transformative change in the realm of mental health advocacy but also fosters a sense of community and well-being, paving the way for a potentially global movement within the Rotary network.
As the curtain falls on the inaugural ROSFEST, Rotary International District 9110 reaffirms its unwavering commitment to fostering equitable, inclusive communities where every individual can thrive. With ROSFEST serving as a beacon of hope and inspiration, the Rotary family embarks on a journey toward a brighter, healthier future for all.
Rotn Olutayo IRANTIOLA is a member of the Rotary Club of Gbagada. He can be reached via peodaviescomms@gmail.com
