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

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