The sporting spirit of Ondo State will come alive tomorrow, as the grand finale of the much-anticipated Basic Education School Sports (BESS) Competition takes centre stage at the prestigious St. Thomas Aquinas College Sporting Arena, Akure.

The event is scheduled to kick off at 10:00 a.m.

Organised by the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) in partnership with the Ondo State Universal Basic Education Board (ODSUBEB), the annual competition will see 180 young athletes and 40 officials from nine educational zones of the state competing in a thrilling display of talent, teamwork, and athleticism.

In a statemet signed by the Director of Information, ODSUBEB, Prince Bolu Ajijo, revealed that this year’s finale will feature a diverse range of track and field events such as the 100m, 200m, 400m, 4x100m relay, long jump, and high jump.

Beyond athletics, the event will also test the intellectual and strategic abilities of pupils with competitions in Scrabble, Chess, and Table Tennis.

The highlight of the day, however, is expected to be the football final — a crowd-pulling event known to stir school pride and friendly rivalry.

The Chairman of ODSUBEB, Rt. Hon. Victor Olabimtan, speaking on the significance of the competition, emphasised its role in promoting physical education, teamwork, and healthy competition among pupils across the state.

He noted that BESS is not just about winning medals but about discovering young talents, building confidence, and nurturing essential life skills in the next generation.

“This competition helps to catch them young. It creates a platform for students to express themselves beyond academics. We believe in grooming total students who can contribute meaningfully to society,” Olabimtan stated.

The Ondo State contingent has already made history this year, having clinched victories at both the South West Regional Finals held in Ado-Ekiti and the National Finals in Abuja — achievements that have elevated the state’s profile in grassroots sports development.

The grand finale promises to be a spectacle, with each of the nine zones aiming for top honours in what is expected to be a fiercely contested but friendly tournament.

Awards will be presented to the overall wiinner, first runner-up, second runner-up, and the best team in the march past segment.

Ondo State Governor, Dr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, will grace the occasion as the special guest of honour, alongside top government dignitaries and education stakeholders. Rt. Hon. Olabimtan will serve as the Chief Host.

The event is open to the public, and members of the community are encouraged to come out en masse to support the young athletes as they represent the future of the state sports.

“Tomorrow’s finale is not just a sporting event — it’s a celebration of youthful talent, discipline, and the enduring value of education beyond the classroom.” the statement said