To mark this year’s edition of Children’s Day, the Lagos Country Club Ikeja organised a swiming fiesta.
The event which was organised by the Swimming Section of the club was well attended by children, parents and guests. And competing for medals in the various events were children of different age categories. With cheers from family and friends, the young swimmers enthusiastically took to the water, competing in freestyle, breaststroke and water polo.
Some of the winners are Thana Shuaib, Temide Amure and Timi Sesan (Girls, 7 Years and Under – Freestyle): Adesuwa Genesis and Lonah Temilayo (Boys, 7 Years and Under – Freestyle): Grace Igbenabor, Olateru Akinsola and Tamilore Akinsola (Girls, 8–10 Years – Freestyle): Ladi Sesan, Ogunnusi Telesfore and Adrian Shuaib (tie) and Ogunmu. Oladuwakishi Ajayi(Boys, 8–10 Years – Freestyle): and Annabel Ogunnusi, Mosopeoluwa Ogunnaike and Teniola Ajayi (Girls, 11–13 Years – Freestyle).
However, aside from the sport, the atmosphere was livened up with good music, food and drinks. And to wrap up the swimming fiesta, adults later competed.
The Chairman of the Swimming Section, Ayodeji Oshikoya, highlighted that the occassion was to celebrate children, an integral demographic of the family club.
“This is our own way of celebrating with the children,” Oshikoya said.
“Lagos Country Club is a family-oriented club where children and adults are equally recognized. Today, we’ve created an environment for everyone to come together and enjoy. During the competition, all the contestants are considered winners. There are no losers because we are one big family. It’s not just about the sport, but about coming together to celebrate families, recognize talents, and share happy moments.”
The sponsor of the event, Wale Fafore, a member of the Club who is also the Chief Executive Officer of CinqTech, and oil and gas services firm, emphasized the importance of engaging children in meaningful activities.
“Swimming is one of the most important sports in the world,” Fafore said.
“We’re doing this on Children’s Day not just to celebrate them, but to inspire them to develop interest in sports. This is also our way of giving back to society. We all know that an idle mind is the devil’s workshop. Sports keep children focused and reduce the chances of them getting involved in social vices.”
Founded in 1949, the Lagos Country Club Ikeja is one of Nigeria’s foremost sports and family club.