The Navy Sailing Club on Thursday reiterated its commitment to the development of water sport, as the club staged the Independence Day/Commodore Boat Race in Lagos.
The Commodore of the Club, Commander Tunde Giwa-Daramola (rtd) stated this at the event organised to mark the 60th anniversary of the country.
Daramola said the club had been in the forefront of identifying budding talents who had represented the country at the international stage.
“The Navy Sailing club is the foremost sailing club in the country because of our enormous contribution to water sport.
“Over the years, this club had continued to groom young talents that have won laurels for the country.
“Our members cut across individuals from different professions and I believe we will continue to sail in unity as Nigeria celebrates her Diamond Jubilee,” he said.
In the same vein, the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Western Naval Command, Rear Adm. Oladele Daji who was the special guest at the event, said the country’s prospect in water sport was promising.
Daji who was represented by Commodore Kabiru Muhammed, Head of the Command Administration said the contribution of the club to the development of young talented athletes was enormous.
“The Navy Sailing club is the bedrock and origin of sailing because this is where it all started.
“The club has contributed in no small amount to the development of young talents especially in water sport.
“The essence of this competition is to catch them young and groom them and with what we have seen so far, the prospect is high.
“Sailing is mainly our profession and that is why we are hosting the club and they are part of.
” Membership of the club cuts across naval personnel and civilians of different professions and we will continue to support the club,”he said.
Meanwhile, Some of the athletes who participated at the competition commended the club for organising the event.
Saleh Hassan, the winner of the Boys Kayak event said the competition came at the right time.
Hassan who is 15-years-old said his aim was to represent the country in major International competitions in the nearest future.
“I am happy that we were all able to participate in the competition today, we have missed the sport because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I will continue to train harder, so I can represent Nigeria one day,” he said.
Also, Khadija Aminu, the winner of the girls kayak event expressed her delight for participating in the event due to the COVID-19 induced inactivity in sporting events.
“I am happy to be back here to compete with other young athletes like me, God bless the organisers for this competition.
” I almost lost the race due to the inactivity caused by COVID-19 but with this win, I am back,”she said.
NAN reports that athletes competed in right events which includes male canoeing, female canoeing, children swimming, and make swimming events.
Others are boys kayak and female kayak events.
Edited By: Emmanuel Okara
Source: NAN
