Ex- Director Challenges Federation On Sponsors

Former Technical
Director of Nigeria Aquatics Federation (NSF), Gbenga Lawal, has urged the body to intensify their search for major sponsors to sustain the sport.
He told newsmen in Lagos that swimming had the potential to become more prominent if it was accorded adequate support.
Lawal also said that the State and Federal Government must strive to source for the necessary funds to boost the sport.
“I believe that if enough attention is given to swimming in the country, it will flourish.
“The swimmers themselves are from the lowest strata of the society, they need to be encouraged to pursue careers in the sport.
The elites do not allow their children to pursue a career in swimming in the country.
“If the financial problems are solved then swimming will improve,’’ he said.
Lawal also said that swimmers must be exposed internationally and locally to be at par with their contemporaries elsewhere.
“In this part of the world the swimmers do not train all year round, they train only a few months to competition which is not ideal.
“Swimmers must train all year round and gain enough exposure to be adequately ready for any competition,’’ he said.
He said that the government must begin to invest in other sports aside from football, to enable them to thrive.
“It’s not all about soccer; they must learn to give other sports a chance.
“If the amount of money that is being spent on football is channelled into another sport, it will give it a major boost,’’ he said.