The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, has applauded the Nigerian Aquatic Federation for successfully hosting the maiden edition of the Swim to Future Championship, a groundbreaking tournament designed to identify and nurture young swimming talents in Nigeria.
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The championship, which took place from February 28 to March 1 in Abuja, featured primary and secondary school children aged 6-14, marking a major step in grassroots sports development.
Speaking at the event, Hon. Olopade emphasized the importance of early talent identification, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision for sports growth under the leadership of NSC Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko.
“This tournament aligns perfectly with the mandate given to us by Mr. President,” Olopade stated. “Our goal is to engage young people at this stage, guide them into professional sports, and help them build careers from their natural talents.”
He further stressed the need for intentional investment in infrastructure and funding to support young swimmers, ensuring they receive proper training and exposure from an early stage.
“We don’t just talk—we want to also act. That’s why I’ve challenged the federation’s president and secretary to organize a national competition within the next two months for these kids. This will allow us to scout and develop young talents who can represent Nigeria on the global stage,” he added.
The Swim to Future Championship has set the stage for a new era in Nigerian swimming, offering young athletes a platform to showcase their abilities and potentially build careers in the sport.
With the NSC’s renewed commitment, the future of swimming in Nigeria looks brighter than ever.
