ROTARY SPORTS FESTIVAL
The Rotary Sports Festival was started by Past President Alozie R. Nsirimobi in the Rotary year 2023-2024 under the District Governor Rtn. Ifeyinwa Rita Ejezie FCS, CRM, District 9110, 2023-2024
It was the first time since the formation of Rotary as an organisation, 119 years ago. The Rotary International President 2023-2024, Rtn Gordon Mclnally, had charged Rotarians to pay attention to Mental Health both of the people we assist and Rotarians ourselves.
The District Governor, Rtn Ifeyinwa Rita, came home with the message and set up the ROTARY SPORTS AND FELLOWSHIP COMMITTEE with a mandate as contained in their OBJECTIVES:
1. To Foster more cordial relationship, Teamwork and Social Cohesion amongst Rotarians.
2. To improve the physical and mental well-being of Rotarians;
3. To attract and extend Rotary membership to non-Rotarian sports enthusiasts;
4. To create awareness and promote the Rotary Brand through sports;
5. To build District Sports Teams for future and external competitions; and,
6. To create entertainment, fun and Relaxation for Hardworking Rotarians.
With these Objectives in mind, the committee set out to host the first ever Rotary Sports Festival in the history of Rotary International.
The games fielded were: Football, Volleyball, Basketball, Badminton, Scrabble, Chess, Draughts, Ayo, Golf and Tug of War.
Over one thousand Rotarians registered for the tournament supported by more than ten sponsors and Partners.
The Festival started with the Media Parley (Briefing the Press), Unveiling the ROSFEST’24 logo and lighting ROSFEST Torch on October 27th, 2023 by the DG. On 17th Jan. 2024 the DG formally kicked off the tournament with the Director General, Lagos State Sports Commission, Mr Oluwatoyin Gafaar. On March 3rd, 2024. The Maiden edition of the ROSFEST Golf tournament was played at the Ikoyi Club 1938 on 3rd March, 2024. The DG was on hand to tee off at 10am. The Chairman of Brila Media, Dr Larry Izamoje and other dignitaries were there to support the DG.
The Grand Finale was on the 9th of March 2024 at the Onikan Stadium Lagos, grateful to our technical partners, the Lagos State Sports Commission. All games were completed and trophies and laurels were giving to winners.
The Rotary International has acknowledged the Festival as it was broadcasted to over 200 countries of the Rotary World on all Rotary social handles and websites.
THE FUTURE OF ROSFEST.
Our VISION is that the Rotary Sports Festival will grow from an Inter-Club competition as ROSFEST to an All- Nigerian District Sports Festival (NISFEST) to a Regional (African zones) Sports Festival (AFRISFEST) and finally to Rotary International Sports Festival (RISFEST), some day.
Thanks.
PP Alozie R. Nsirimobi.
Chairman, Rotary Sports and Fellowship Committee 2023-2024.
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