Fatodu seeks more support for swimming

The President of the Nigeria Aquatics Federation, Lekan Fatodu, has warned that the high cost of swimming could hinder the development of young talents in the country, calling for greater commitment from stakeholders to support the sport.

Fatodu made the call as the federation continues efforts to strengthen swimming development, including the ongoing International Olympic Committee Olympic Solidarity technical coaching course in Lagos.

“The fact remains that swimming is an expensive sport, and what we need is commitment from the government, the federation, parents and other stakeholders,” Fatodu said.

He also urged stakeholders to strengthen collaboration to attract sponsorship for swimming development programmes.

“With the right level of commitment and collaboration, we can attract sponsorship and develop programmes dedicated to different categories of swimmers,” he added.

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Fatodu said the federation would continue to provide opportunities for young swimmers through its development programmes, stressing the need to identify talents early and nurture them.

Thirty-five Nigerian coaches are participating in the six-day programme, which is aimed at improving coaching standards and developing the country’s swimming talent pool.

Nigeria recently won 35 medals at the Africa Zone 2 Swimming Championships in Dakar, Senegal, claiming 17 gold, 14 silver and four bronze medals.

Fatodu said sustained support from stakeholders would be crucial to ensuring that Nigeria’s swimming talents progress from the grassroots to the elite level.

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