By Maduabuchi Kalu, Lagos on September 26, 2016

The 7^th edition of the annual Chief Naval Staff (CNS) Open Swimming Championship came to an end on Sunday with Delta State holding tight to its number one position in the country.

The Delta swimmers left no one in doubt as to their mission the time they arrived for the championship which they have made their birthright since 2010 when it resumed after a nine-year break. They eventually carted away more than half of the medals at stake, leaving other participating teams numbering more than 19 to share the remaining medals. Edo State was the second runners-up, while Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) was the first runners-up.

The highlight of the event, the Nigeria Aquatics Federation’s flagship tournament, was the presentation of trophies to by Rear Admiral A.A. Oshinowo, the representative of the Naval Staff, assisted by the Chairman of the Lagos State Spots Commission, Hon. Ayodeji Tinubu.

Speaking on the occasion, Rear Admiral Oshinowo congratulated the winners and all the participants for their sportsmanly conduct. He said the sponsorship of the annual Chief Naval Staff Swimming Championship is the Navy’s modest contribution to the development of swimming in the country as an aquatics sport.

Apart from the medals and the three trophies given out to the first, second and third-placed teams, cash prizes were also presented to the medalists though the amount involved was not disclosed.          

Daily Sports recalls that just before the kick-off of the championship last week Thursday, Delta had warned other states and other participating teams to forget winning the top prize.

Reacting to the feat achieved by Delta State, Chief Mrs. Chinoye Daphey Aliyu, the Chairman, Delta State Aquatics Association, said it did not come to her as a surprise because Delta State has invested heavily in sports generally and not just swimming.

Her words: “Inasmuch as I am happy that we retained our No.1 swimming position in the country, I am not in any way surprised because this is the reward of the state heavy investment in sports over the years.  

“Sports in Delta State is a priority issue as far as we are concerned. Sports is on the first line charge like some other strategic sectors of the state structure. It didn’t start with the present government. The system has been put in place that ensures that any government that comes on board must not relegate sports to the background. That is the truth of Delta success in sports in the country.

“As a matter of fact, it would have been a big surprise if any other state or team had toppled us because I know the effort we are making to ensure that we do not lose our pride of place in sporting activities in the country.”

•Photo of swimmers courtesy of Hotsports.

Source Daily Sports

Posted September 26, 2016

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