Lagos open water event for June

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.”