The third edition of GYMFEST Championship will take place in Lagos on 7 November. This year, 278 young gymnasts are set to show off their skills. The organisers are working hard to develop young talent and boost Nigeria’s chances in international gymnastics.
The event is organised by Tee Tumblers Gymnastics Club (TTGC) and the Society of the Performing Arts in Nigeria (SPAN). It will be held at The Dome, 1 Freedom Way, Lekki Phase 1, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Yoyin Akpose, co-convener of the championship and founder of Tee Tumblers Gymnastics Club, shared that participation has grown from under 100 children in the first edition to 278 registered participants this year.
“At some point, we have to tell some schools, please wait until next year. We don’t have the capacity for any more this year, but it’s encouraging to see that parents are interested now and the community keeps growing,” she said at a press conference in Lagos.
Mrs Akpose explained that the competition was started to give children a chance to showcase their abilities, improve their skills, and gain experience in gymnastics competitions.
She believes that focusing on grassroots development can help Nigeria produce gymnasts who can compete on the world stage. “I know, we do have the talent, so that’s why I have the drive and the motivation to keep pushing because I feel like I know we will get there,” she said.
Organisers aim for global impact
Mrs Akpose said her commitment to promoting gymnastics grew stronger after watching an international competition last week. She was disappointed by the low representation from Nigeria and West Africa.
This experience made her more determined to create chances for young Nigerians to develop their skills and compete at top levels.
Gymnastics is still growing in Nigeria, and GYMFEST wants to get more schools and clubs involved while raising awareness about its benefits.
Oluremi Jemitola, chief operating officer of SPAN, stated that the championship started from the vision of the organisation’s founder and chairperson, Sarah Boulos. The aim is to promote healthier and more confident communities through movement, creativity, and the arts.
She said the partnership between SPAN and Tee Tumblers, which began three years ago, has enhanced the competition’s technical strength and helped it grow.
“Today, we are proud to say that, together, we have built and continue to grow what we aspire to be Nigeria’s biggest gymnastics competition,” Mrs Jemitola said.
She added that the organisers hope to make GYMFEST Africa’s top gymnastics festival and competition, with a goal for global recognition in the future.
According to her, the championship does more than just showcase sports performances. It helps children build confidence, discipline, teamwork, and perseverance. It also gives parents a chance to celebrate their children’s progress and allows coaches to get credit for their hard work.
Lagos Commission supports youth development
Oluyomi Olusanmi, director of school sports at the Lagos State Sports Commission, praised the organisers for giving children a chance to take part in organised sporting activities.
While representing the commission at the press conference, Ms Olusanmi said this initiative aligns with Lagos State’s development plans, especially focusing on youth engagement and children’s growth.
She explained that sports help develop children’s cognitive, emotional, and physical skills, which contribute to their overall development.
Ms Olusanmi said that engaging in sports can create career opportunities and help solve social issues like truancy, juvenile delinquency, and negative peer pressure.
She noted that the championship supports the commission’s goal of making Lagos a top sports destination in Africa.
The organisers stated that their partnership with the commission will help expand gymnastics involvement beyond Lagos and support the sport’s growth across Nigeria.
Sponsors back the championship
The organisers thanked ProvidusUnity Bank, the diamond partner, along with Banksome Group, Leadway Assurance, YD Company, Studio24, Indomie, and Gratia Chin Chin for their support.
They said these partners have provided financial help and supported efforts to make the event a success.
The festival will also include the GYMFEST Souk, where vendors will sell food, pastries, clothing, gymnastics gear, and other products. There will be a play area for children of different ages, providing more fun activities for families.
The organisers believe the championship will let participants show the skills they developed through months of training while encouraging more children to take up gymnastics.
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