NSSFF Sports Day 2013
At times one has to do the least flattering things to catch you guys attention!
And this is how this one goes down: here I am inviting you to The 4th Nigerian School Sports & Family Fun Day (NSSFF) taking place on Saturday 29th August 2015 (Bank Holiday weekend) at Norman Athletics Track, Norman Park, Hayes Lane, Bromley, Kent, BR2 9EJ between 11:00 -19:00.
It was a bit of a kerfuffle deciding what image to use at top of this post, I could have used the official poster for the event but thought this pic of me and some of 'the girls' at this same event back in 2013 might just be what it takes to grab your attention, unwedge you from your seats and get you to the venue!
"Should in case" you're wondering what's this all about "The Nigerian NSSFF Sports day started in 2012, inspired by the London Olympics games. It is an annual popular event supported by the Community games (Olympic legacy), our own mini Olympics held in the spirit of friendship, solidarity, fairplay and competition" It is a platform for collaboration & networking for 'Old Boys & Old Girls Nigerian Schools through Sports. For the record, I just lifted that from the NSSFF website.
Let me explain in my language, Do you remember Naija Interhouse Sports Day's that we held at our respective secondary schools back in the day?
Well now at this Nigerian Schools Sports & Fun Family Day ( NSSFF) we compete as adults, the kids, family, friends get to join in as well and this multiplies the fun factor. First year we attended it poured with rain, but for some strange reason that I cannot explain it took nothing away from the day.
My kids, ever the skeptics, were so not keen that first year we were invited to this NSSFF Sports Day in 2013, on the drive to the venue in Bromley I had all the "eye rolling" accompanied by the "huffing and puffing!" I just ignored them. As we walked into the stadium despite the weather there were people everywhere, all the aunties, uncles, boys and girls in what I will call their 'sports attire'. Aunties in their jogging bottoms, Lycra (cringe), hoodies, trainers, 'face cap' (please why do 'we' use these words to describe a baseball hat??) uncle's have squeezed their 6-pack physiques or pot bellies into their sleeveless vests, with 'short knicker' ( don't ask why this is another fav "terminology"of ours). And of course we have the 'Alan Posers' in their beloved Ralph Lauren polo shirts with the iconic number embossed on the sleeve, don't get me started I refuse to digress on this particular post!
'Anyways' by now the girls have raised their eyebrows, we have exhibition stands, catering vendors selling their snacks, jollof and things, Football tournment is going on, Naija live band (is there anything like a 'dead' band?, sincere innocent question!!!) playing music under the podium. The event stewards preparing for field and track events.
Before I knew it girls have gone off with their cousins and are literally 'working the crowd'. They are chatting away and mingling with young adults of their age, my nephew and niece who were 4 and 6 years old at the time are also in tow. There are shouts of 'my senior' 'my junior' 'school daughter', 'school mother/father' as people start bumping into old school mates they have not seen in years. We have all the main Naija Secondary Alumni 'representing' you know the one's I'm talking about especially the show-offs both the girls and boys! Queen's College, Igbobi College I'm greeting you all (insert straight face smiley) Holy Child 'Old' Girls come and see these 'senior aunties', clad in their leggings, tee shirts and 'face cap' no shaking I tell you. Back then all their swagger was in that their '4-corner cap' just saying not hating!
When the stewards announce that registration for 100m Women track event is about to start, before twinkling of an eye, my cousin is clipping her wig firmly to her head and rolling up her jeans, (yes jeans) she's not come prepared but there's no stopping her. By thunder, fire and force she's participating, her kids are cheering her on "mummy do it, do it, do it"!!! Anyway they 'fire' the gun and mummy takes off and proudly comes 2nd to last. Her words of wisdom to her kids after the race were "it's the participation that counts" they obediently smile sweetly at her. Probably thinking 'Like seriously mum?'
Before I know it my brother has disappeared, next thing I hear his name being called over the public address system for the 100m men track event, I gulp as I think WTF. But wait for this.... he actually came 2nd!! We are such a sporty bunch in our family (Says Risi who came 2nd to last in Women egg and spoon race!)
Last year when we attended NSSFF Sports day 2014 we were much more prepared, we went fully armed, we invited as many people as we could and took a picnic along. Those of us uninterested in the sports aspect were there solely for the socials and to mind the coolers of rice jollof, meat pie, puff puff and other 'finger foods' ( yes we really took all that along!) The competitive ones amongst us got signed up for as many events as possible. No age group left out, the toddlers through to the 60 plus. Our older girls however could not find a 4th member to make up team for the 4x 100m relay, so they scouted for and teamed up with a girl named Temi a friend they made at the Sports day and they brought the bacon home!!
Catch Them Young 'our' 1 month old baby with mummy Tope and his Auntie Biola.
Moi, Uloma and Chimere. NSSFF 2014
Another group of us, set up camp in front of the event DJ, bullying him into playing our favourite tunes!
Summary, it was generally a chilled out day. I cannot really hype up this event enough, not sure whether it's the relaxed set up, varied age range or what. The whole place just buzzes, it's not rowdy or anything after all this a stadium we're talking about. The way it works is we get there find a spot to hang out, and everyone goes off to do their own thing. It's a good opportunity to network as well. There are various exhibition stands, face painting for the young one's, there's something for everyone. It's great summer's family day out. A sister of ours had a baby 4 weeks before the event, on this day in question she refused to be "left at home on the shelf "as she put it, she brought our baby along in his pouch!
The Girls NSSFF Sports Day 2014
Before you know it the day is over, unlike other events where people like to leave early, this is one place where you just want to stay till the very end, there is no posing in the matter, the medals are given out at this time.
NSSFF won The Most Outstanding Event of 2014 at the Nigerian Events Awards recently.
Norman Athletics Park is easily accessible, all my crew have met up at NSSFF Sport Day, Bromley, Kent in past years from all parts of London and the Home Counties both by public transport and private travel with no hitch.
Oh yeah and the best part for me last year was the closing of the event with a flash mob of all the attendees doing the retro dance routine to Cameo's 1980's 'Candy' (Watch video here) All of us lined up on the track dancing in sequence, coolest thing ever! You should have seen us with our moves like jagger!
So here's the deal; Dokwan of Essex Chapter, Iya Beji, Ma Arinze, Albanese, Tola, Oyinade, FTA, Mulenga, Misy, SOJ, Fine Girl No Pimples, Foluke, Belle Of the Ball, Alabaro, Yemi, Big Sis S, MOE, Hot Love, Mummy Dun, Ms Jackson Ooooo and any other female blog readers, I challenge you to the 100m Women's sprint on the day. I plan to literally wipe the track with you guys, don't underestimate me!!! See you Saturday 29th August 2015.
On that note Thank God it's Friday, have a great weekend.
Your smile is your logo, your personality is your business card, how you leave others feeling after an experience with you becomes your trade mark ~ unknown
Babes you are barking up the wrong tree o! I don't run like that o! I only run for ......
ReplyDeleteI hate sports days as a rule.
I simpy do not have the coordination.
I'm allergic to sport! Infact, if you see me run in a competitive manner you will fear!
I cross lanes, don't hear the whistle for the fear! Ola better count me out o! Even teachers race is mega exam for me , please I take God beg you ..... You are on your own there .... E fi Iya ibeji sile o! Just leave me o! Only Ussain Bolt can challenge me to a race !
Sweat is even catching me thinking of how I used to be rubbish at marching! Inter house sports day ! Memories!
"They" said I should say that it is not a sporty day exactly. That it is a fun day. And that there is a lot of food. Come one come all message from my "my Oga at the Top
ReplyDeleteCome and have fun .... Eat a lot, do a little sport OR sport a little , eat a lot!
See you there!
RBN,
ReplyDeleteSome 'Alan Posers' cannot afford a Ralph Lauren (number or horse). I think they call us 'talaka alagidi' (paupers with attitude). I belong to this category. No shame there, I own it!!
Anyway "sha" (another Yoruba word that means absolutely nothing!), I went to the event last year, just to hang out with my friends (I use that word loosely, I cant afford RBN thinking we are real friends. LOL).
I heard about the event before but assumed it will be filled with 'loki' (remember I am an 'alan poser'), I can say I thoroughly enjoyed my self ("alan posers", "fly polos" et al).
Even my daughter who went (because I am her MOTHER!) and arrived with a face like a 'slapped backside' was soon taking part in activities and even made it to the podium. (People who cant have children who can).
Sha! I recommend it thoroughly.
Foluke thinks other people are 'loki' does she?
ReplyDeleteLovely day; my kids can't stop talking about ; they ve asked when this year's event will be. It's not filled with 'Loki' as you put it o; lots of civil people and some of you single babes might even get some decent bros chatting you up; or you could bump into some old delightful faces( not the ones you don't ever want to see again).
ReplyDeleteWe all had fun and looking forward to this year's.
Don't mind that Foluke. She is so far up her own backside she can't see any light!
ReplyDeleteApologies, didn't mean to offend.
Although, I did acknowledge that I was nicely surprised and enjoyed myself!!
What ever things are of good report, if there be any virtue......think only of this.
Bring it on! I've already started practising lmao
ReplyDelete
ReplyDeleteSounds like it was a fun event.
Will definitely try to attend.
By the way I like the saying at the end.
Logo and Business card, I have sorted. Trademark though?....that can go either way.
Mo tun de o. You mentioned 6 pack and beer belly in the same sentence. Hmmmm, I will say 1 pack and beer belly. One thing is real, you cant fault its this event it was meant to be a one off in 2012, its now becoming Eiffel Tower for Nigerians in UK i.e it will remain after we have all retired and gone. As for boggers 100 m race, its guarantted if we can have 6 of you. As you have all enjoyed it, we feel that a lot can still be done to jazz it up and make things better. I/we will very much appreciate any suggestions, ideas etc from you. Remember, this event is for you to enjoy and want more. My email is ALAKAOLU@HOTMAIL.COM. We all in NSSFF are there and here to serve you. We will be very disappointed if you cant shout wow at the end and say what a day. The 'Talika alagidis' are part of our constituents and in no small way make the day it has always been. 10 big cheers to them and the oligards as well. See you all on the 29th of August 2015.
ReplyDelete[10/07 16:09] Ronke (NSSFF) Udofia: :)
ReplyDelete[10/07 16:11] Wole (NSSFF) Sanwo: Wow!
[10/07 16:a15] Laitan (NSSFF) Etti: This is good advert for us...is she paid?
[10/07 16:20] Wole (NSSFF) Sanwo: Not that am aware of O!
[10/07 16:21] Laitan (NSSFF) Etti: I will pay her entry fee...lol
[10/07 16:23] Wole (NSSFF) Sanwo: 👍
[10/07 16:27] Laitan (NSSFF) Etti: We should share the blog with members, great write-up!
This are some of the NSSFF members reaction to this one off blog as listed on the groups WhatsApp account. Collated by Olu Alaka
@ Ms Jackson Oooo
ReplyDeleteWould be nice to see you on the day.
But could I suggest you wear lime green leggings, fluorescent orange vest and matching 'face cap' with the words 'Ms Jackson Ooo' embossed for identification purposes.
@Foluke,
Behave yourself otherwise if push comes to shove I might just be forced to share your "jollof rice giveaway" shannigans at last years event with blog readers.
You've been warned. Come to think of it, that's a a whole blog post for a slow news day!
@Olu Alaka,
Bring it on!!!
A whole "Risi By Name blog readers" 100m race to our name?? We are 'ready to ready' in fact could we have some hurdles thrown in for good measure?
Thank you for this! Team NSSFF is always delighted to receive feedback! We are glad that you enjoyed our event and that you are promoting it too! We hope 2015 is as good as the previous years and that we continue to exceed all expectations !
ReplyDeleteWole Sanwo
NSSFF coordinator
Ahhhh!!!OLATUNDE!! Risi by name!! Myn ur sef ooo.. Ok.. Where do I start my 100m??? I gues after a shot or two, I will not only be sprinting but flying with the hurdles in place too..Lol.
ReplyDeleteNonetheless. It should be a fun day. I actually heard about the event from our mutual friend/big sis. I might ask her to take the bate if I am unable after too many shots..Lol. Am looking forward to it ...its high time I add to the collections of medals in the household.. Kiddies might be proud...(she says)
See you there ore (YEMI)
@ Wole Sanwo/NSSFF
ReplyDeleteTruth be told, we should thank NSSFF for organising such a diverse & entertaining event, well done!
We look forward to this years' as usual.
All my dreams have come true christmas and Ileya have arrived early.
ReplyDeleteAny event that involve Naija woman running jumping or dancing whether fthey be ull stature orobo or Lepa count me in I shall camp in front sit. Winner will receive fine boy Jonny special surprise.
Sounds like a whole bunch of fun stuff for the entire family. As an Old Igbobian I will promise that our chaps over there will make a mark, be it at sports, socials, wacking all edibles or winning the pottest belly prize!
ReplyDeleteWha gwan brodas an sistas
ReplyDeleteMi arrive ina style pon 29th fi represent!
see yuh dere.
No better place to let down the brazilian/peruvian/indian and any other 'ians'.
Come on people, lets show this kids how we used to hopefully still roll.
Fantastic
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like the kind of fun I will really enjoy
I shall be there with my crew
Alhadja Pastoress Risi, hope its ok for me to come in my speedo? As my "see through" top may be too revealing & too sexy to handle for some....Please advice....I really wouldn't want to be seen as showing off
I just can't wait ooooo
ReplyDeleteRBN
Leave that Jollof Rice "Matter for Mathias!"
@Demola
ReplyDeleteI nominate your comment for 'Top Awkward Moments 2015'
My next attendance will be the third. I must confess I enjoyed every minute of it. It was very wet and windy during the first but that did not dampen our spirit. We turned out in full force and had a really good time. Thanks to the organisers for a job well done, gathering Nigerian in particular and their family for a worthy cause and a very good time. We get to socialise, meet old mates, children have fun and a lot more. I will be a spectator and support RBN and others who are looking to participate. The knees are not to great, the back is not in great condition either, these are my excuses, however, I will be there to support RBN and others who looking to participate. I am sure you will all contribute immensely to the success of the day. A big thanks to my brother and the organisers for this great event and I look forward to the day. Job well done and RBN thanks for spreading the word.
ReplyDeleteI will be there.
@Anon 11 July 23:00
ReplyDeleteAlas!
Why doth thou hide thy identity??
No be me and you dey 'Catch Sun' together for foto #7?
RBN like I have always said. I love to be heard not seen. Unlike you, you love to shine, to be seen and heard. Brilliant qualities and I love and admire you for that. Let's keep "me" that way. Ma ko mi si ita bi omo ijo mejo.
ReplyDeleteVery enjoyable event, don't miss out this year.
ReplyDeleteMy Soliloquy.
ReplyDeleteI look forward in ernest anticipation to a day
When Mummys get a black eye in the name of 100m (from boob slap)
When Daddys show their 1 pack and beer bellys
Where "talika alagidis" get off their wooden pedestal
Where shot drinkers will be seen flying
Hair extensions will be poised for war
Speedos and fishnet "singlet" will rule
Christmas/ileya will be revealed in one
My QC friends will stop looking down on my O.L.A status (and pigs may fly)
Small chops will be devoured in excess
And lo and behold a flashmob too!
Oh what a day!
NSSFF: well done for organizing this event, it is in the same league as putting a man on the moon........okay rocket science (I'm not going lower than that!)
Be there or Be square.
I have never heard of this!
ReplyDeleteI will be there to 'catch' some fun!
Will be on the look out for you!
I didn't school in Lagos .... Hope it doesn't matter?
I will be representing my community school ....
Short knicker. Face cap. Tennis shoe. Sun shade. Primark socks.
On your marks, get set ------- am ready to go!
@RBN you came second to last in a race? Who came last- a snail?
ReplyDeleteAnonymous 15:02
ReplyDeleteA tortoise; for your information and necessary action!!
I've been in the gym since this blog came out!
ReplyDeleteMy opportunity for revenge against that boi that wasted my time: I just want to use tis opportunity to show him what he has missed.
So while his wife is waddling around I will be gliding around, looking hot, no sweat! I'm out for revenge!
Lagos wayo boy!
I will be there revenge, socialise, and enjoy myself in that order!
Girls married or not you are free to join my club! Will be there with my placard..... Revenge of first love!
Fine girl no pimples. A beg o. Take it easy o. The boo that wasted your time deserves to see what he has missed. "A woman scorned ". Pele o.
ReplyDelete