Swimming Championship: Stakeholders laud standard of event
By Ijeoma Okigbo
Some stakeholders at the maiden `Swim for Life’ national swimming championship have lauded the National Aquatics Federation (NAF) for the standard of the event while advocating for more competitions.
The stakeholders told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja that the tournament, focused on grassroots, will revive the sport in the country.
Lekan Fatodu, the Director-General, Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC), who was at the event, commended the federation, adding that the talents gained would be enhanced.
“What I have seen here is great and simply spectacular. The standard is really high and you can see the enthusiasm of the children.
“We need to give credit to the federation for organising this competition and the age category they have chosen.
“This is because this is one of the ways we can reposition our athletes according to the appropriate age category, thereby eliminating the tendency of cheating.
“As a state, we are dedicated to supporting youth development and talent recognition, and that is why we are here with our athletes to improve the game of swimming.
“The team has been doing so well and making us proud in the tournament, and once we go back home, we will continue to enhance and improve their skills through training and competitions,’’ Fatodu said.
On her part, Zarah Jamberlang, the chairperson of FCT Swimming Association, also commended the federation, adding that it is an eye-opener for the talents that abound in the capital city.
“I am impressed with the talents we have seen so far. Before this time, FCT had no team, but now we have about 20 swimmers in this tournament.
“After this competition, we will ensure we work on our pool, so that we have an adequate facility for swimmers to train.
“We will also reach out to Nyesom Wike, the FCT Minister, to inform him of the talents abound in the sport, and also get support.
“We are looking to organise a school competition in June, where most of these kids will participate. We will focus on reviving the sport in FCT,’’ Jamberlang added.
Doris Anekwe, a parent, said the tournament has been long overdue.
“From what I have observed, the tournament is of good standard and I commend the federation especially as there was little or no sponsorship, they still made it worthwhile.
“You can see how excited these children are about the competition.
“We need these competitions to encourage the swimmers, so they can test their skills, especially after months and years of training,’’ she said.
A swimmer, 10-year-old Ezeugwu Anekwe, who emerged winner in breast stroke 50m boys and freestyle 100m boys’ event, said the competitions will help athletes work harder.
“The swimmers from Lagos are giving the others a good run for their money but it is good to have such healthy competition, where you can see your errors and know where to work on.
“I am happy to emerge champion in some of my events, but we need more competitions to be able to improve on our skills,’’ Anekwe added.
NAN reports that over 150 kids ages eight to 15, from various states, clubs and schools, are participating in the three-day tournament at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Joseph Edeh
Published By
- Senior Editor
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