Nigeria Aquatics Federation hunts for new talents for local, international competitions
By Georgina Adegbie
The Nigeria Aquatics Federation says it is taking steps to discover new swimming talents that will represent the country at various international competitions.
Chinoye Aliyu, President, Nigeria Aquatics Federation (NAF), said this while reeling out the programme of activities for the forthcoming “Swim to Future” kiddies championship aimed at discovering and nurturing swimming talents within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Aliyu said the initiative was designed to identify, train and develop primary and secondary school children between ages six and 14.
She said that the event scheduled to hold on Friday and Saturday would provide the children with a platform to showcase their skills which would eventually see them representing the country at international competitions.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the championship is the first edition of the “Swim to Future” championship for primary and secondary school children.
According to Aliyu, the event is the beginning of an exciting new era in Nigerian swimming.
“We recognise the boundless potential of our young swimmers, and with the right training, mentorship and opportunities, they can rise to compete at the highest levels and also represent Nigeria with pride on the international stages.”
She said that the event was part of the federation’s broader strategy to develop swimming in Nigeria, with plans to expand the initiative to other zones across the country.
“The aim is to create a robust swimming ecosystem, providing every region with access to professional training and competitive opportunities in the sport.
“By investing in the next generation of swimming champions, the Nigeria Aquatics Federation is committed to shaping the future of aquatics in Nigeria.
“We want to instil a passion for swimming in them, and this is the right time to start. Swim with passion, train with determination, and embrace this opportunity with both hands,” she said.
On his part, Yisa Lawal from Ojez Entertainment Limited, the sponsors of the event, said it was their first time of sponsoring an aquatic event in Abuja.
“We have supported and sponsored swimming events in Lagos, and we have been partnering with the federation for some time now.
“We decided to partner with the Aquatic Federation to catch them young, nurture and build them for future international events.
“We will help them train in their various aquatic events so that they can build their careers as future professionals,” he said.
Lawal noted that some of the athletes they have assisted in the past were now in foreign countries as professional swimmers.
Jiddah Dakwal, board member representing North Central, Nigeria Aquatics Federation, said that 78 kids have so far registered for the event.
“We are targeting more than 100 athletes to participate in the maiden edition of the championship.
“For the security of these children, we have well-trained coaches and lifeguards who are certified. They will be around to protect these kids in case of any casualty.
“It will be a good programme for kids in the FCT, as children tend to do things well at a tender age with perfection,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Emmanuel Afonne
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