Abuja – No fewer than 26 states have registered for the President Muhammadu Buhari National Open Water Swimming Championship, according to the Chairman, Organising Committee of the championship, Kabiru Gaya.
He however told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja that the committee was yet to decide on the number of athletes a state would feature.
Gaya said the championship slated to hold this January at the Jabi Lake water front would feature athletes who are under-17 and above.
“The competition is going to be for people from 17 and above. We cannot allow athletes who are under-16 because we do not have a programme for them,’’ he said.
Gaya said the technical team of the Nigeria Aquatics Federation has approved that the competition be held at the Jabi Lake.
“The championship has been endorsed by the Nigeria Aquatics Federation and JOSDAN Global Peace Foundation.
“The objective of the event is to raise a pool of responsive young Nigerian swimmers who will use swimming as a springboard to lead healthy, purposeful and patriotic life into adulthood.
“It will discover hidden talents, breed future stars and professionals who will represent Nigeria in international swimming competitions.
“The event will help to engage youths productively, promote cohesion, national peace, unity and security,’’ he said.
Gaya said the conditions, as well as the rules, for qualification and participation in the event have been made available to the states’ Sports Councils.