By kemi Ajayi
Lagos – The water events of the 11th Nigerian Navy Games ended on Feb. 9 in style as the command that participated paraded their best with the aim of emerging tops at the competitions.
The water events heralded the Games that would eventually hold from Feb. 26 to March 11 in Uyo, Akwa Ibom.
Several naval commands, including Western Naval Command (WNC), Eastern Naval Command (ENC), Central Naval Command (CNC), Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), Naval Logistics and Naval Head Quarters (NHQ) were on parade.
The participants competed in four water sports — sailing, kayak, swimming and newly introduced boat handling.
Naval personnel also trooped out in their numbers to support their representatives as they competed for medals.
In the swimming event, a total of 36 medals were up for grabs, while 11 medals were at stake in the kayak and rowing events.
The Western Naval Command emerged overall winners in the swimming event with 15 gold, five silver and two bronze, while the Eastern Command clinched 14 gold, six silver and two bronze medals.
In the kayak and sailing events, the WNC also dominated the medals table with six gold, six silver and a bronze medals, while the NHQ won six gold, four silver and two bronze.
Apart from other participants who registered their names on the medals table, Seaman Graham Tebesan of the Eastern Command single handedly won 14 gold medals in the swimming competition.
Tebesan’s performance at the event did not come as a surprise owing to his vast knowledge and prowess in swimming.
The swimmer also represented the country at the 2007 All-Africa Games in Algeria and also won 12 gold medals for Delta State in the 2009 National Sports Festival in Kaduna.
Rear Adm. Henry Babalola, the Chairman Organising Committee of the Games, said the competition was aimed at ensuring the physical and mental fitness of naval personnel in the country.
Babalola, who is the Chief of Administration, Naval Headquarters, noted that the Navy over the years had been in the forefront of water sports development in the country.
He added that the Navy would continue to work with the water sports bodies in the country to enhance the sport.
“When you mention navy, the first thing that comes to your mind is water, so that shows that the Nigerian Navy does not joke with anything that has to do with water.
“So, one of the aims of the competition is to remind our personnel of the essence of water in whatever we do,’’ he said.
He added that the Games would also help to prepare its men for this year Armed Forces Games.
Also, Rear Adm. Dogara Albehu, Admiral Superintendent of Naval Ordinance Depot, said that the Games were not only geared to improve the fitness level of officers but also to encourage “Espirit d’Corps’’ among its personnel.
“I’m pleased with the conduct of our personnel during the competition and I must commend them.
“The Chief of Naval Staff is so keen about the involvement of naval personnel on water and that is why boat handling was included to further spice up the Games,’’ he said.
Babatunde Fatai-Williams, the President of the Nigeria Aquatics Federation, lauded the Nigeria Navy for its enormous contributions to the sport.
He said the body over the years had enjoyed uninterrupted partnership with the Navy in promoting swimming in the country.
“The Nigerian Navy’s contribution to swimming and other water sports is immense and I must applaud them for this.
“Men of the Nigerian Navy have represented the country in international competitions in the past and present.
“The federation looks forward for more cooperation in the nearest future,’’ he said.
Tebesan, expressed satisfaction with the competition and thanked the Nigerian Navy for consistently organising the Games to engage its personnel.
On his performance, Tebesan who is also a national athlete said he attributed his performance to adequate preparation.
“I deserve all the medals I won because I prepared thoroughly and I am proud of myself.
“As a national athlete, competitions like this will help to keep me in shape and I must commend the Navy,’’ he said.
With the conclusion of the water sports events of the Nigerian Navy 11th Games, all road leads to Uyo where the main competition will hold.
