Hundreds of amateur and professional swimmers from over 15 states and 10 swimming clubs will converge on Benin City, Edo State, from Friday, August 9, for the inaugural Edo State Invitational Swimming Competition.
The two-day event will be held at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, featuring both young and adult swimmers competing in the stadium’s Olympic-sized swimming pool. Hosted by the Edo State Aquatic Association, the competition will begin daily at 8 am.
Leading the states and teams who have since registered to participate in the championship are Imo, YY Swimming Club of Lagos, Ogun State, Rivers State, Bayelsa State, Kano State, and Kaduna State. Others are Cross Rivers State, Delta State, Akwa Ibom, State, Gombe State, Ondo State, Enugu State, Harmony Club Ilorin, Jimi Osinowo Club, and Ebonyi State.
The championship is expected to birth new talents that will be considered for national assignments in the build-up to various events, including the African Games, Commonwealth Games, and the Olympics.
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Speaking to journalists yesterday morning, the Secretary of the Edo State Aquatic Association, Mrs. Nina assures all swimmers of a conducive environment and level playing ground ahead in the competition.
“The championship aims to help provide a platform that will prepare our swimmers for the forthcoming National Sports Festival and the National Youth Games. 25 states and clubs are expected to be present and we have received an encouraging number who have sent their entries.”
“As of today, the Edo State Aquatic Association, both members and athletes, are all on the ground and are ready. Everything we need to make it conducive has been prepared for.”