Head of State Chapo stated that school remains the most important tool for social transformation, as it is in schools that people acquire knowledge, learn to think, respect others, cooperate, and serve the common good.
Addressing thousands of students from all provinces of the country, Chapo emphasized that school sports are an extension of the classroom and an indispensable means of forming the character and values necessary for national development. He strongly urged that education go beyond the mere assimilation of academic knowledge, taking a central role in the civic and human upbringing of young Mozambicans.
In this regard, he advocated for the idea of 'education that nurtures whole people': 'Education that prepares youth for exams, but equally for life.'
The XVI National School Sports Games are taking place until September 6th in the cities of Maxixe and Inhambane, in southern Mozambique. 1430 athletes from 11 provinces of Mozambique are participating, competing in eight disciplines: athletics, handball, basketball, eleven-a-side football, gymnastics, traditional games, volleyball, and chess.
Overall, the event gathers more than 1800 participants, including coaches, judges, and support teams.
At the opening of the event, the President highlighted that the sports field teaches fundamental lessons about discipline, hard work, perseverance, and respect for the opponent. He asserted that a true champion is not just one who wins medals, but one who 'overcomes their own limitations' and 'knows how to be humble in victory and dignified in defeat.'
'It is at this point that school sports gain exceptional importance because the construction of a nation begins in school. Here we transmit knowledge, shape people's character, find talents, and cultivate the values that will determine the quality of our society tomorrow,' said Chapo.
The Head of State also stressed the role of School Games in strengthening national unity, noting that the meeting of youth from different regions turns Mozambique into a 'true community of shared destiny.'
Furthermore, Chapo defended school sports as the main reserve of future national athletes and called for the creation of mechanisms to track talent from school to national teams.
'We must create a real bridge between schools, clubs, federations, and national teams so that no talent is lost due to lack of opportunities,' he said.
In his speech, the President affirmed commitment to sector development, guaranteeing the continuation of state investments in various strategically important areas. He stated: 'The government will remain firmly committed to strengthening school sports. We will continue to invest in improving sports infrastructure, enhancing the prestige of physical education teachers, training coaches, mass participation in sports, and early identification of Mozambican talents.'
Chapo emphasized that investing in youth is a bet on the country's future, asserting that it is 'never an expense,' but the most 'reliable contribution a nation can make to its own future.'