7th CNS Open Championship, huge success —Williams

By Maduabuchi Kalu, Lagos on October 12, 2016

The President of the Nigeria Aquatics Federation (NAF), Mr. Babatunde Fatayi Williams, has described the recently ended 7th Chief of Naval Staff Open Swimming Championship as a huge success in all ramifications.

Williams made the declaration while fielding questions from sports journalists on the championship held at the swimming complex of the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos. Sponsored by the Nigerian Navy, the annual championship is the flagship swimming event on the calendar of the Nigeria Aquatics Federation. The junior category that accommodated swimmers from primary and secondary schools across the country was introduced for the first time during the 2016 event.

His words: “It has been an excellent championship in all respects. In terms of turnout, we had over 300 swimmers; in terms of the performances both in the new junior category for secondary schools; we had some good performances there, both in terms of time and in terms of strokes techniques.

“And in the senior category for the state teams, universities, military and paramilitary teams we had over 24 teams in the senior category which is the highest. Before now, the highest number we recorded was 19 and that was in 2013 in Oghara, Delta State but this year we had 24 teams.

“So, it has been great, the whole venue has been bubbling, it has been a well decorated venue, thanks to the Lagos State Sports Commission. The whole venue has bubbled for the whole four days and I am so happy that despite all the challenges that the state have they still were able to come in large numbers.

“Of course, the Nigerian Navy has continued to support us in this championship. This is the 7th edition. There are not many sponsors in this country now and this championship is in its 7th edition and we will continue to thank the successive Chiefs of Naval Staff, who have stood by us and continued sponsoring this championship from year to year.”

Reacting to the declaration by the Lagos State Government to also play host to the next edition of the championship, Williams said: “Well it will be the second time we will be having double hosting rights for the following year. When Delta State hosted in 2013 they immediately offered to host it the following year in 2014 and Lagos State is doing the same.

“So it is great for us because it means that we don’t have to start scouting around looking for a sponsor, the chairman of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Ayodeji Tinubu, told me himself. So, it’s great to hear that.

“I think that what made Lagos to show the interest to host the next edition after the successful hosting of this 7th edition is that they are impressed with the championship. And again I think that it will help to ginger swimming in the state.

“Swimming in the state has had its problems and challenges particularly with facilities even schools have been off and on, so he hopes that this kind of championship can help create greater awareness of swimming in the state. That is why we allowed private schools to come in on their own right without demanding that they should come under state association.”

•Photo shows NAF President Babatunde Fatayi Williams.

Source Daily Sports

Posted October 12, 2016


 

You may also like...
CHAN 2020 Disaster: NFF Waiting For Eagles’ Technical...

Di Maria strikes deal with prosecutor

Dennis Will Be Key For Watford vs Arsenal...

Done Deal: Chukwuemeka Signs For Aston Villa

Madueke On Target For PSV

Muguruza upsets Williams to win French Open

 

Latest News Hearn slams Ngannou over Joshua defeat excuse Chelsea eye Martinez to replace Osimhen Visa unveils Amusan, Nwachukwu as global ambassadors I’m not under pressure to coach Eagles – Finidi Super Eagles focused on World Cup qualifiers – Omeruo Ibrahim: Striker who wants to emulate Lukaku at Chelsea Boniface ranked best African performer in Europe Napoli may reduce Osimhen price tag Mali beat Nigeria 2-0 in international friendly NOC commends Team Nigeria, government, media for victory at African Games JOF U-13 Cup: 8 Clubs Qualify For Quarterfinals Osimhen resumes training, fit for Atalanta clash

 

Most Read Rangers International going, going . . . (53,389 views) Amaju Pinnick: A cat with nine lives (44,397 views) Second Term: Amaju Pinnick, Other NFF Heavyweights Home to Roost •How Pinnick Broke the Jinx (42,545 views) Missing $150,000 IAAF Grant: Solomon Dalung’s Hide and Seek game (42,219 views) Sports Development: Zenith Bank on the zenith (42,004 views) Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje’s solid footprints, commitment to sports development in Kano State (41,882 views) Current issues in Nigerian sports: Matters arising (41,768 views) NFF Presidency: Pinnick, Maigari, Ogunjobi, Okoye in Battle for Supremacy (41,223 views) Olopade, BET9A wave of revolution in NNL (40,272 views) Commonwealth Games 2018: Shame of Muhammadu Buhari, Solomon Dalung (39,183 views) Ibrahimovic’s Man U exit: Whose decision is it? And in whose interest? (37,633 views) John Mikel Obi: Segun Odegbami’s Outrageous Call! (37,208 views)

 

Phone numbers

Tel: +234(0)8066020976
+234(0)8055068145
+234(0)7013416146
+234(0)8094272884

Email addresses

info@dailysportsng.com
support@dailysportsng.com
publisher@dailysportsng.com

Office address

No 3, Adetoun Close, Off College Road, Ogba, Ikeja Lagos.
Website: www.dailysportsng.com

Social Media