The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, has commended the Nigerian Aquatic Federation for successfully hosting the first edition of the Swim to Future Championship, a tournament designed for primary and secondary school children aged 6-14.
Speaking at the event, Hon. Olopade emphasized the importance of nurturing young athletes early, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision for sports development under the leadership of NSC Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko.
“This tournament aligns perfectly with the mandate given to us by Mr. President,” Olopade said. “Our goal is to engage young people at this stage, guide them into professional sports, and help them build careers from their natural talents.”
He further stressed the need for intentional investment in infrastructure and funding to support young swimmers, ensuring they receive the right training and exposure from an early stage.
“We don’t just talk—we want to also act. That’s why I’ve challenged the federation’s president and secretary to organize a national competition within the next two months for these kids. This will allow us to scout and develop young talents who can represent Nigeria on the global stage,” Olopade added.
The Swim to Future Championship took place from February 28 to March 1 in Abuja, marking a significant step toward grassroots swimming development in Nigeria.