6th CNS Open Swimming tourney begins Friday

ALL is set for the sixth edition of the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) Open Swimming championship, which holds from July 18 to 22 at the newly built modern Olympic Swimming Complex in Warri, Delta State.
  Participants are drawn from states, the Armed Forces, Nigeria Police, Civil Defence Corp and the universities.
  According to the organisers, swimmers are scheduled to arrive on Friday, while action commences the following day at the tournament to be co-sponsored by the Nigerian Navy and Delta State Government. All events are between 9a.m and 3p.m.
  The championship will feature 17 males and 17 females individual events as well as six relay races for two males, two females and two mixed teams, all competing for cash prizes, medals and plaques. Certificates will also be awarded to participants.
   Speaking with newsmen in Lagos on Monday, Chairman of the Main Organising Committee for the event and Vice President, Nigeria Aquatics Federation (NAF), Real Admiral Babatunde Egbedina, said the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Usman Jubril, should be commended for endorsing this edition of the competition. He, however, said that the sustainability of any successful venture that requires human effort has always been a problem in the case of an enduring championship.
  He hinted that top performers at the meet would ultimately represent Nigeria at the 12th African Senior Swimming Championship in Dakar, Senegal, in September. Also, those identified would be trained towards the forthcoming All Africa Games in Congo next year.
   Present at the conference were the President of Nigeria Swimming Federation, Babatunde Fatai-Williams, a member of the Delta Sports Commission and local organising committee, Mr. Ejiro Etoroma, Director of Physical Training in the Nigerian Navy, Commodore Omatseye Nesiama, and a committee member, Navy Capt. S.M. Bello, among others.