For the 19th time in the past 21 years of Nestlé MILO Basketball Championship (MBC), the finals was hosted by Lagos State. The six teams who qualified at the regional conferences matched skill for skill as they vied for the star prizes in the Girls’ and Boy’s categories. Teams from St. Judes Girls Grammar School, Bayelsa (Girls’ Category) and Father O’Connell Science College, Minna (Boy’s Category) emerged Champions of Champions of the keenly contested finals.
From 500 schools in its first year, 21 years ago, the Championship now draws participation from nearly 10,000 secondary schools across Nigeria yearly, reaching over 1.5 million children.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Ibrahim Mohammed, President of Nigeria School Sports Federation (NSSF) commended Nestlé for supporting grassroots development of basketball in the country through MILO Basketball Championship.
“Without MILO Basketball Championship, Nigeria will not have a basketball team today, because the feeder is from the grassroots. Nestlé MILO Basketball Championship is the only grassroots program that has consistently groomed young players who eventually integrate the national team.”
In his address, Nestle Nigeria’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Mauricio Alarcon reiterated the company’s commitment to promoting an active lifestyle among youth in Nigeria.
“We are happy to be at the forefront of sports development to promote an active lifestyle among youth in Nigeria. This is in line with our purpose, which is enhancing quality of life and contributing to a healthier future. Through Nestlé Milo Basketball Championship, we are able to help youth learn not only the game and the value of sports, but also the values that are at the core of the championship - discipline, friendship, determination, perseverance through hardship, courage to overcome fear, ability to work in a team, self-belief, respect and leadership. These skills help beneficiaries succeed in life, on and off the court.”
“Motivated by the positive impact of the championship, Nestlé is committed to continue to invest in preparing youth to be future fit. We believe that by doing this, we make progress towards our ambition to enhance the quality of life of individuals and families in our communities,” he added.
Inspiring early participation in grassroots sports through various programmes including the Basketball Championship, MILO® has built a rich heritage in Nigeria as the food drink of champions. Made from the natural goodness of cocoa, malt, and milk, MILO® is fortified with ACTIV-GO, a unique blend of vitamins and minerals including calcium and Iron. This combination helps improve bone health and proper functioning of the muscles and red blood cells.
Nestlé Milo Basketball Championship, which is in its 21st year, is a collaboration between Nestlé, Nigeria School Sports Federation (NSSF), the Nigeria Collegiate Sports Federation (NCSF) and the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF). Over the years, the championship has trained professionals who currently play in various leagues around the world as well as in the National league.