Over 4000 Nigerian youths are expected at the maiden edition of Presidential Youth Open swimming championship which will hold from October 10-14 at the Jabi lake water front in Abuja.
The ministry of sports through its grassroots sports department in collaboration with a non-governmental organisation, JOSDAN Global Peace Foundation Network and the Aquatic Federation of Nigeria is putting together the first ever open swimming competition.
In a statement released by the chairman of the competition implementation committee Senator Kabiru Gaya, the championships will feature over four thousand youth from all the states of the federation.
“The main objective is to get them to embrace peace, unity and stay away from anti-social activities,” said Senator Gaya.
He also confirmed that, while several prizes, including scholarships are on offer for winners at the end of the competition, what is key is for them to see the opportunity as one that will better their economic circumstance.
“This government is determined to empower the youths and eradicate poverty among her citizenry and open swimming is one area where we have talents”.
The project which has the full support of President Mohammadu Buhari will help the young people to make a career for themselves, as the programme is expected to be replicated in other states of the federation.
The Aquatic Federation will also use the event to select swimmers for the forthcoming world youth open water swimming championships.