By Augustine Kalu on November 2, 2016

The newly elected Vice President of the Confederacion of African Du Natacion (CANA), Mr. Babatunde Fatayi-Williams, has described the recently held African Swimming Championship and Congress as exciting and interesting.

Speaking with Daily Sports immediately returning from South Africa where he attended the African Swimming Championship/Congress and got elected as the Vice President of the continental aquatics governing body, CANA last week Sunday, Williams said: “The African Swimming Championship/Congress that held in Johannesburg South Africa was exciting and interesting. The organisation was perfect and everything that took place during the championship and the Congress went well without any lapses. I returned early this morning. The trip was nice.”

“As usual, South Africa and Egypt dominated the championship. The two countries are very serious countries when it comes to swimming not only in Africa but globally.

“Already, Egypt has offered to play host to the Africa Junior Swimming Championship and you recalled that they hosted the last African Swimming Championship last year before South Africa played host to it this time round. The Championship was very interesting and exciting. It was really a world class championship,” Williams explained. 

On the participation by the country, Williams, who doubles as the President of the Nigeria Aquatics Federation (NAF), said: “We entered for three events with two swimmers unfortunately, due to financial challenges we participated with one swimmer, Yellow Yeiyah and he did his best under the circumstance he found himself. He moved from the Airport to the swimming venue.

“Yeiyah participated in 50mtrs Butterfly, 50mtrs Freestyle and 5kilometres Open Water. He placed 5th in the final of the Butterfly and couldn’t finish the 5kilomters. Meanwhile, out of the 14 swimmers that participated in 5kilomtrs Open Water; only 6 swimmers were able to finish the swimming marathon due cold. The water was too cold and they didn’t use the protective rubber swimming track. And in the 50mtrs Freestyle, he couldn’t return in good position.

“But I must tell you that he did his best under the circumstance that he found himself. I am quite sure that if we had arrived probably a day or two before championship, he would have done better.

“Funding has always been an issue with us over here. Due to lack of funds only Yeiyah and I were the only people that attended the championship from Nigeria and even at that; we have to source for funds because the Sports and Youth Development Ministry said it has no money,” Williams explained.

“Of course, CANA and FINA are aware that we have financial challenges not only in Nigeria but in most African countries. Like I said only few countries like Egypt, South Africa and a couple of others do not face the same challenge we have.

“On the Congress that took place during the championship, we thank God that despite our financial challenge, the continental body found us worthy to be saddled with responsibilities.

“I agree with you that it may not be unconnected with our efforts here to develop aquatics sports despite the mountain financial constraints facing us. It is a call to duty and by the grace of God we will deliver as we have always done both within the country and on the continent,” Williams assured.

•Photo shows CANA Vice President Babatunde Fatayi-Williams.

Source Daily Sports

Posted November 2, 2016

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