In an exclusive interview with Sports 247, Coach Abimbola Ifeoluwa, the Head Coach of Love Nature Swimming Academy, shared insights into the academy’s mission, the upcoming competition, and the state of swimming in Nigeria.
Coach Ifeoluwa’s journey into swimming instruction and coaching is driven by an unwavering passion and a mission to prevent drowning incidents among children. She emphasized this by saying, “What drove me into swimming is passion and the zeal to stop drowning in children is one of the reasons why I became a coach and a swimming instructor. And I believe that when all the children in Nigeria and in the world can swim, the rate of drowning will reduce. Once they are sure of their water confidence and safety skills.”
The academy has been actively playing its role in achieving this mission by providing comprehensive swimming training to children. Coach Ifeoluwa’s dedication to equipping children with water confidence and safety skills underscores the academy’s commitment to preventing water-related accidents.
Reflecting on the current state of swimming training in Nigeria, Coach Ifeoluwa expressed concerns about the lack of attention and support the sector receives. She noted, “Talking about the impact Nigeria has on swimming training, I don’t think they have done enough. I am not sure it is a sector they really pay attention to in sports because there has been so much negligence. There is no focus on the trainers and no support. During international competitions, those who represent Nigeria are unknown to us in the swimming world. So I can’t really say that Nigeria has been a part of the swimming growth. But as individuals, we have been contributing our own quota to the development of swimming in Nigeria.”
Looking ahead, Coach Ifeoluwa discussed the upcoming competition affiliated with Lagos State, which marks its second edition. The event would take place at the Lagos Country Club on Saturday the 21st of October 2023. The event will bring together swimmers from various clubs and schools who will compete for medals. Beyond the medals, Coach Ifeoluwa emphasized the significance of this competition in showcasing the promising future of swimming in Nigeria. She expressed her pride in witnessing gifted and talented swimmers emerging from different clubs and schools, highlighting the positive strides being made in the sector.
The interview with Coach Abimbola Ifeoluwa sheds light on the crucial role that Love Nature Swimming Academy plays in instilling water confidence and safety skills in children, as well as the need for greater attention and support for swimming training in Nigeria’s sports landscape.
