The Lagos International Open Water
Championship 2016, which is organised by the Nigeria Aquatic Federation
in conjunction with Geo Planning System Technologies, is scheduled for
June 3 to 5 at the Lagos Water Regatta Village, Ikoyi.
President of NAF, Babatunde
Fatayi-Williams, said the Nigerian winners of the event would be
shortlisted to represent the country at the Dakar and Bloemfontein
swimming championships later in the year.
About 100 male and 80 female swimmers
are expected from other parts of Nigeria and Africa, while Lagos is
expected to produce 100 competitors.
“We have talents in swimming but we have
to organise competitions for them to have the required experience and
that’s why we are promoting open water swimming,” Fatayi-Williams said.
Vice President of NAF, Nseobong
Jesimiel, said the federation was working with the necessary authorities
to clear the waters, ensure security of participants at the event and
proper traffic management during the duration of the championship.
The Managing Director, Pacific Network
Solution, Ahmed Ojikutu, said the open water championship would help
Nigeria discover world-class swimmers in the future.
He stated, “We have the natural
(swimming) talents, but why is it that we don’t make impact at the
Olympics? I believe that even if other countries beat us in the swimming
pool, we are the best in natural water. I’m confident this open water
event will help the country produce Olympic swimming champions.”
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