By Vivian Ahanmisi
The Dolphin Swimming League says it will continue to produce young swimmers for Nigeria’s junior national team as it prepares to celebrate outstanding athletes and schools from Season Seven of the competition.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the league’s annual award ceremony is scheduled to hold on May 30 at St. Saviour’s School, Ikoyi, Lagos.
The Tournament Coordinator, Oluseyi Oyebode, said the competition had recorded remarkable growth since its inception, evolving from fewer than five participating schools to more than 20 schools in its seventh edition.
Oyebode said the league had become a major platform for discovering and developing swimming talents among schools in Lagos and Ogun states.
According to him, some swimmers discovered through the competition are now regular members of Nigeria’s junior national team and have represented the country at competitions within and outside Africa.
“We are excited that what we started a few years ago has begun to yield positive results.
“Some of the league’s products are now representing Nigeria internationally and our ultimate target has always been to produce Olympians.
“The steady growth of the league reflects increasing acceptance of swimming as a competitive sport among schools and young athletes,” he said.
He said the competition was sanctioned by the Nigeria Aquatic Federation, the Nigeria Olympic Committee and the Nigeria School Sport Federation.
The coordinator also said the event was organised by Dynaspro Sports Promotion in partnership with Advanta Interactive Ltd., with technical support from the Lagos State Swimming Association.
Oyebode noted that the league had continued to attract participation from schools across the country.
He said the organisers introduced separate categories for elementary and secondary school competitions to improve organisation and athlete development.
“The separation of elementary and secondary school competitions has greatly improved organisation and we plan to continue with that structure in subsequent editions,” he said.
Oyebode also commended parents and guardians for their support, describing them as critical stakeholders in the success of the competition.
He equally appreciated Rite Foods, the major sponsor of the league, for its continued support towards the development of swimming in the country.
According to him, the award ceremony is aimed at celebrating excellence while motivating participants to remain committed to the sport.
NAN reports that the annual event is expected to bring together swimmers, school officials, parents and sports stakeholders to celebrate achievements recorded during the season. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Emmanuel Afonne
