The ninth edition of the Zenith Bank Inter-School Swimming Gala holds on Saturday at the Swimming Section of Ikoyi Club 1938, with about 20 schools expected to compete in one of the country’s most established grassroots swimming competitions.
Young swimmers will contest honours across Freestyle, Breaststroke, Backstroke, Butterfly and Individual Medley, with races held across age categories for both primary and secondary school participants. The event, which has grown steadily since its debut, serves as a platform for identifying and developing the next generation of swimming talent in Nigeria.
Chairman of the Swimming Section of Ikoyi Club 1938, Akinbulejo Onabolu, said the competition offers young athletes far more than just a chance to race.
“It has always been a joy for us to welcome young swimmers to Ikoyi Club and watch them grow in a competitive but supportive environment.
“Beyond the competition itself, we value the friendships, discipline, confidence, and exposure that these young athletes gain through events like this. These experiences contribute significantly to their personal growth and development,” he said.
Onabolu also praised Zenith Bank for their continued backing of the event, describing the partnership as essential to sustaining a platform that gives young athletes meaningful opportunities.
“We are particularly grateful to Zenith Bank for their continued support of youth sports and talent development. Their commitment to this gala over the years demonstrates a genuine investment in the future of young athletes and in the growth of swimming in Nigeria.
“Partnerships like this are critical to building platforms that inspire excellence, encourage healthy competition, and provide opportunities for young people to thrive both in and out of the pool,” he said.
Read the full article here
