Lagos State emerged winners of the South West Gymnasium Federation of Nigeria (GFN) competition that held at the indoor hall of the National Stadium in Surulere.
The competition which was concluded on Thursday, gathered fifty-nine participants comprising of athletes and coaches from the six states of the South West Nigeria. Athletes from Lagos State who came tops won seven golds, five silver and six bronze medals
followed by Ondo State athletes who garnered six gold, five silver, and five bronze medals while Ogun State settled for 3rd with two gold, three silver and four bronze after which Oyo consoled themselves with two gold, one silver and one bronze.
The young athletes were elated and joyous competing in the tourney as many prayed for more contests and continuous exposure as this will sharpen their skills and enable them to compete.
The Chairperson South West and board member of Nigeria Gymnastic Federation, Dr. Omowunmi Olalere who bankrolled the competition, noted that with the success of this maiden tournament, there would be more tourneys targeted at youths at the grassroots.
Olalere, CEO of Numero Homes noted that the SW National Gymnasium Competition united secondary schools across the south west region said, “The event was organised to revive gymnastics in Nigeria and I believe we still have our young gymnasts who are passionate about the game. Having seen this, I deem it fit to organise this championship among southwest states which includes Oyo, Ogun, Ekiti, Osun, Lagos and Ondo.
The NGF Chairperson unveiling future plans noted that Lagos was chosen because of the availability of equipment adding that the next edition will be on a grassroots level from different states. “We tend to hold another competition in September when the children are on holidays.
Organising competition of this magnitude will help the game regain stability. We also tend to have two weeks camping session where we can interact together with the view of reviving the game. And aside this, we are looking to taking the sports internationally. It saddens my heart that Nigeria gymnasts have not been to the olympics to showcase their talents to the world. So we are hoping that if we are consistent with this initiative, we’ll have participants who will hoist the Nigerian flag at global stages,” she stated.
Meanwhile, former President of GFN and former chairman, Lagos State Gymnastics Association, Prince Folusho Adefemi lauded the successful hosting of the competition and urged gymnasts not to relent on their dream to attain greater height.
“This is the maiden edition and I’m glad it’s a welcome development. I’m glad seeing young gymnast showcasing their talent in this competition. It’s obvious this idea will produce a talent who will represent Nigeria in the nearest future. Initiative of this magnitude has been lost since the past eight years and I’m glad this Foundation is on the brink of reviving it based on her passion for the sport.”
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