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By JOE APU
The Navy Sailing Club, Ojo, Lagos was no not left out of activities marking Nigeria’s 64th Independence anniversary as it used occasion to flag off it’s programmes for the 2024/2025 calendar year.
The event which attracted had over 80 athletes in attendance with more than half being kids and teenagers caught the attention of the Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral HB Hassan was thoroughly thrilled by their performance.
Admiral Hassan who was represented by Rear Admiral Abdul Hamid Baba-Inna applauded the Navy Sailing Club for paying attention to the younger generation while tasking them to do more as they are the future of sailing and water sports in Nigeria.
“The performance today is impressive and I am particularly thrilled with the kids. I will like the Club Commodore and his team to continue to do more in the area of catching them young because they are the future athletes that will represent Nigeria. I also encourage personnel as well as those within the environment to take advantage of this and bring their family members to train and make this part of them.” He added that: “Of recent, the Chief of Naval Staff gave approval for three sailors from the Navy Sailing Club to participate in the forthcoming Admiral Cup Regatta in India pointing that it will give the sailors an opportunity to showcase themselves, the club and with the involvement of the Navy, it shows that water sports has come to stay.”
Club Commodore of the Navy Sailing Club, Captain Festus Adewuyi on his part commended the performance of the athletes. “This race is one of the best we have had in recent times. The performance of the athletes is of high standard and I happy that they have shown that with more sailing activities, they can do better. For the young athletes, my plan for them is expose them to training. With more training they will be able to acquire more skills as it will help to participate more actively in water sports.”
Moses Orugbami was adjudged the over winner of the courtesy of his stellar performance in the GP14 of the sailing event.
Other winners are Jasper Friday who finished in first place, followed by Aminu Abubakar Giginya and Alaba Joseph in second and third places respectively in the Kayak race for 15-19 years old while the boys 10-15 category saw Alaba Joseph, Alaba Darasimi and Sele Price Pere emerging winners.
In the 15-19 category for girls, Blessing Idowu dominated over Excel Orji and Emmanuella Orji while in the age category of 10-15 girls, Chidinma Nwankwo, Chioma Nwankwo and Orji Chimaza finished tops.
In the open water swimming event for ages 5-10 girls, Pwawulakai Dennis came in first, followed by Orji Chiamaka in second place and Paris Idowu in third place.
The Laser event had Abdulsalam Jamilu finishing ahead of all other contenders. Prizes and awards were presented to deserving athletes by club members and guests.
The event also saw the induction of new members of the club.
