Lagos – The Lagos State Sports Commission said on Saturday that preparations were in top gear for the 2nd Invitational Artistic Gymnastics Championships to be hosted in Lagos.
Its spokesperson, Titi Oshodi-Eko, said in a statement that the competition would hold from May 10 to May 14.
The statement said that the competition organised by the Lagos State Gymnastic Association was aimed at developing the sport.
“The competition is for the development of the sport by helping the gymnasts to prepare their body, develop their artistic skills, techniques and also revamp their confidence,’’ it said.
The statement quoted the chairperson of the association, Adebamke Oloko, as saying that the competition would feature 24 gymnasts each from six states.
“The states are Lagos, Oyo, Delta, Ekiti, Ogun and Ondo. A total of 144 gymnasts will take part in three categories – senior, intermediate and junior.
“The boys’ category will feature floor, vault, pummel horse, parallel bar and ring events while the girls will take part in floor, vault and pummel horse events.
“The championship will serve as the yardstick to measure the performance of the state’s gymnasts.
“It will also prepare the state athletes toward participating in the forthcoming National Sports Festival and other competitions,’’ it quoted Oloko as saying.
The statement said that Oloko also noted that the championship was an important tool for evolving a common front for the development and social integration of the southwest region.
“The competition will also serve as a platform for Lagos State to select gymnasts to represent it in the national open and age group championships,’’ the statement said.
It said that medals and certificates of participation would be given to the winners and athletes who feature in the tournament.
The statement said the event would hold at the Mobolaji Johnson Indoor Hall, Rowe Park Sports Complex, Yaba, Lagos. (NAN)