Trust Africa news, By Halimah Balogun
The 9th edition of the annual Chief of Naval Staff Open Swimming Championship hosted by the Nigerian Navy in collaboration with the Nigeria Aquatics Federation (NAqF) came to an end at the swimming pool complex of the National Stadium Surulere, Lagos, with Delta State retaining its title as the No1 swimming state in the country after winning 12 gold, 11 silver and 4 bronze medals to bring their total medals haul to 27.
The Nigeria Police Force Swimming Team came second with 5 gold, 6 silver and 3 bronze bringing their total medals to 14, while the third position went to Nigeria Army swimming team with 4 gold, 4 silver and 9 bronze, bringing their total medals won to 17 medals.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo, represented by Rear Admiral Abila Zakariyyah, noted that the objective behind the competition that has been held for over 15 years is to discover and nurture talented swimmers to represent the country in international competition.
He said: ” The championship itself is the modest contribution of the Nigerian Navy to the aquatic federation and in this case, it’s just to be able to bring out young talents so that the aquatic federation can mentor them as they grow. I have seen lot of young kids coming here and competing on the length of this 50 Meters swimming and it’s very interesting. These young talents will be mentored very well so that at the end of the day, we will be able to produce champions for Nigeria and for Africa at large.
He reinstated the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to support the aquatic federation in nurturing swimmers.
“You know the Navy itself, the environment we operate on is water and since the aquatic federation is here to look for swimmers that will represent Nigeria, it is only necessary and only expected that Nigerian Navy should support the aquatic federation for producing champions in swimming. Whatever it is that the aquatic federation comes up with, the Nigerian Navy is there to support them.
In his closing remark, The Chairman, Nigeria Aquatics Federation (NAqF), Mr Babatunde Fatayi- Williams stated that as part of the federation’s effort to further develop sport in the country, a junior secondary school category was added to the 9th edition.
“Iti s hoped that, budget permitting, this will continue in future editions as it provides an ideal opportunity for the identification & exposure of more young talents.
The Nigeria Aquatics Federation welcomes the new Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral A. Z. Gambo, and expresses sincere gratitude to him for supporting the continued sponsorship of this National Swimming Championship. We also wish him a very successful tenure.
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