By Kemi Ajayi
Lagos – Tunde Giwa-Daramola, a former Commodore in the Nigerian Navy Sailing Club, on Thursday said the inclusion of water sports in the forthcoming Army Sport Competition is a welcome development.
Giwa-Daramola told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that sailing, kayak, rowing and canoe would feature as a demonstration sports at the event holding from Oct. 10 to Oct. 15.
He said the demonstration which would hold at the waterfront, Jabi Lake in Abuja on Oct. 14, was in collaboration with the Navy Sailing Club and Twin Huts Concept Ltd, a sports consultancy outfit.
“We all know that the Navy Sailing Club is the hub of water Sports in Nigeria and there is need for the Nigerian Army to key into water sports.
“This is the first time water sports will be part of the Army Sports Week and it is a good initiative.
“The army operational requirement in Lake Chad Basin and Niger Delta requires troops to have adequate confidence when operating in water environment.
“Training of army personnel in sailing and kayaking, rescue operations, medical evacuation in case of mishaps and general safety precautions will be part of the event,’’ he said.
Giwa-Daramola thanked the Nigerian Army for the initiative and urged participants to take advantage of the event to enhance their sports skills.
NAN reports that athletes from various Army Divisions will compete in 19 events, including traditional military sports like Combat Relays, Obstacle Sports, Tug-of-War, Boxing, Cross Country and others.
(Edited and Controlled by Peter Ejiofor)