The 2nd edition of the Ibadan Age Grade Swimming Championships has been scheduled to take place on Friday and Saturday April 18th and 19th respectively.
A total of 150 young swimmers are expected to converge at the University of Ibadan Swimming Pool during the Easter weekend with the event starting 9am each day.
The convener of the event, Oluwatimilehin Olaiya, told our correspondent that all was set for this year’s edition expected to produce so many thrills and excitement for lovers of the sport.
15-year-old Olaiya said he was optimistic that the Ibadan Age Grade Swimming Championships would ultimately produce future champions for Nigeria.
“We started last year with 100 swimmers but now so far we have surpassed that number and we expect not less than 150 swimmers. This is a talent discovery tournament and we expect the best in this year’s edition,” Olaiya said.
Four swimmers each are expected from the South West states while entries are also open to schools including tertiary institutions.
A total of 60 events will be competed for in from the 50m freestyle to the 400m long distance. All strokes including back, breast and back strokes will be competed for at the event.
According to Olaiya, the age categories ranked from six years to adult. He added that two university undergraduates took part in the 2024 edition.
Telecommunications giants, MTN and Rite Foods and Mr. GB Agboola have been supportive to the dream of young Olaiya to stage to Ibadan Swimming Championships this year.
The top technical people expected to handle the championships are Pastor Jesimiel Samuel, Dr Ibikunle Odebunmi, Mr Jimi Banwo and Mrs Risikat Ebeloku-Mustapha.
