Lagos International Swimming Classics kicks off

The much-awaited Lagos International Swimming Classics kicks off on Thursday November 7 at Teslim Balogun Stadium.

Three African countries – Ghana, Senegal and Benin are expected to be part of the four-day N5.8million prize money tournament while top national swimmers will also participate in the tournament. 

According to the Championship Coordinator, Babatunde Fatai-Williams, national record holders like Samson Opuakpo of Delta, Yellow Yeiyah of the Nigeria Police as well as Rachael Tonjor and Faith Edorodion would be part of the open category.

“The hit event will hold in the morning each day while final will be in the evening. The schools’ category is a time event, which means winners in each event will be determined by the time. We hope to have a full house as Ghana and Senegal will also be hoping to give our athletes tough time,” he said.

Chairman of the Main Organising Committtee (MOC), Wahid Oshodi, said all is set for the commencement of the tournament as the venue is now wearing a new look while the latest timing machine will be used for the tournament. We are hopeful that new talents will be unearthed while our stars will showcase their skills at the competition. It promises to be exciting as top swimmers from the region and beyond are going to be aiming for the top prize."

He however, emphasised that the tourney is aimed at exposing athletes to international standard and also to attract top athletes to the tournament. “We are hoping for a good tournament and for us, this is one of the ways to help our athletes. Having concluded some sporting events lined up for the Lagos Sports Classics, we are hoping that the swimming classics will also be more competitive and colourful,” he said.

Over 300 swimmers are expected to jostle for honours at the championship. The tournament has been sanctioned by the African Swimming Confederation (CANA) and it hopes to attract the best swimmers in the continent.

Meanwhile, Nigerian swimmers who are going to participate in the classics category (open) were mostly selected based on their performance at the recent 5h Chief of the Naval Staff Open Swimming Championship held last month in Oghara, Delta State, along with a few wild card entries from some states that did not participate in the championship.