The ministry of sports through its
grassroots sports department in collaboration with a non-governmental
organisation, JOSDAN Global Peace Foundation Network and the Aquatic
Federation of Nigeria is putting together the first ever open swimming
competition.
According to the chairman of the
competition implementation committee Senator Kabiru Gaya, the
championships will feature over four thousand youth from all the states
of the federation.
“The main objective is to get them to embrace peace, unity and stay away from anti-social activities,” said Senator Gaya.
He also confirmed that, while several
prizes, including scholarships are on offer for winners at the end of
the competition, what is key is for them to see the opportunity as one
that will better their economic circumstance.
“This government is determined to
empower the youths and eradicate poverty among her citizenry and open
swimming is one area where we have talents”.
The project which has the full support
of President Mohammadu Buhari will help the young people to make a
career for themselves, as the programme is expected to be replicated in
other states of the federation.
The Aquatic Federation will also use the
event to select swimmers for the forthcoming world youth open water
swimming championships.
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