Swimming: Every child needs it as life skill – Expert
By Georgina Adegbie
Chinonye Aliyu, President, Nigeria Aquatics Federation (NAqF), says there is need for every child to make swimming a life skill.
Aliyu, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, said already, the federation had concluded plans to organise the National Junior Swimming Championships, tagged “Swim for Life”.
“We believe every child should learn to swim, not only for competition, but as a life skill; Swim for Life, embodies that mission.”
The president said the competition was dedicated to nurturing the next generation of swimmers in Nigeria.
She added that the initiative would welcome participants between the ages of eight and 14, from across states, clubs and academies.
The president added that she was excited to see children participating in the competition, adding that swimming was also her hobby.
“This championship is more than just a sporting event, but it is a movement aimed at promoting water safety.
“It is a means of encouraging early participation in swimming, selection into the national junior team, as well as building a culture of excellence in aquatic sports.”
According to her, young athletes will showcase their talent and passion in a World Aquatics certified 50 meters long course facility in Abuja, while participating in a range of swimming discipline.
“The three days event will include freestyle, breaststroke, backstroke, butterfly, individual medley and relays.
“This championship will enjoy mass participation from states, clubs, schools and swim academies both in Nigeria and abroad, to cater to Nigerians in diaspora, who desire a place in the national junior team,” she said.
The president said a total of 22 academies, state and teams would participate in the upcoming championship at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium.
“The championship will also provide a platform for talent discovery, selection into the junior national team, ahead of the World Aquatics Junior World Cup in Romania, later this year.
“It is also aimed at promoting grassroots development. The federation is calling for the collaboration of all stakeholders to make this a success and support swimming development in Nigeria.
“The federation also invites all stakeholders, families, coaches and sports enthusiasts to attend and support this epoch event,” Aliyu said.
She listed the registered teams to include the FCT, Lagos, Kaduna, Delta, Edo and Anambra States. Also included are MakoSail, Laurel and Danaqua Swimming Academies.
Other academies are: DE_BEBE, Easy Swim, Swim Dolphin, ICARE Ace and Even Swim Academies, as well as Bokun Aquatics and ALLFOI Swimmers.
Swimkay Academy, Just Swim Academy Ltd, Lakeland School Abuja, Hydroracers, YY Swimming Academy Lagos and Ikoyi Club Swim Team Lagos also made the list.
NAN reports that the event would commence with team arrivals and accreditation on April 22, at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium.
The opening ceremony will hold on April 23 and close with medal presentations and awards on April 25. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Chinyere Nwachukwu/Maureen Atuonwu
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