Lagos honours parents of young swimmers, launches coastal swimming initiative
The Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC) has celebrated parents supporting young swimmers while unveiling a new programme aimed at expanding aquatic sports opportunities in riverine and coastal communities across the state.
The dual event, which featured a recognition ceremony for “Lagos Swim Mums and Dads” and the flag-off of the Lagos Swimming Coastal Series Clinic and Competition, was held during the “Deep Dive & Lively Splash Time” swimming fiesta at the newly renovated Rowe Park Swimming Pool, Yaba.
At the event, parents of young swimmers were honoured for their sacrifices, financial commitments and consistent encouragement, which organisers described as critical to the growth and success of grassroots aquatic sports in Lagos.
Speaking on the occasion, the Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Mr Lekan Fatodu, said the celebration underscored the importance of family support in athletes’ development. According to him, “the journey to the podium begins at home,” adding that the dedication of swim mums and dads forms the foundation of sporting excellence in the state.
Fatodu also highlighted the state government’s investments in sports infrastructure, noting that facilities such as the refurbished Rowe Park Swimming Pool and other community sports centres have been developed under the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. He stressed, however, that infrastructure alone was not enough to ensure access and equity in sports participation.
He explained that the Lagos Swimming Coastal Series Clinic and Competition was designed to take swimming development to children in riverine and coastal areas who have traditionally had limited access to structured aquatic programmes.
The fiesta ended with a showcase by Lagos State’s National Youth Games champions, offering spectators a display of elite performance and setting a benchmark for younger swimmers participating in the programme.
