Young Swimmers Excel at Pan-African School Games

Young swimmers showed their skills at the Olympic-size pool of James Hope College, Lekki, on Friday, October 16. The swimming events of the second Pan-African School Games began before an excited crowd.

The three-day event was organised by Seun Akinbohun, Busola Tejumola, and Aderoju Ope-Ajayi. More than 11 schools are taking part. Swimmers aged 11 to 15 are competing in the Under-11, Under-13, and Under-15 categories. Medals and bragging rights are up for grabs.

Many parents and guardians came out to support their kids. Cheers rang out around the pool as the young swimmers raced for victory.

Ope-Ajayi, a co-organiser, said the games started from a desire to create real chances for young people through sports. She mentioned that even with financial issues, the organisers are dedicated to finding future champions and helping kids find and grow their talents.

She added that the success of the first event made them want to make the competition bigger. She gave credit to sponsors and partners for their support and thanked parents for their involvement. Nearly 400 kids and over 200 parents came out on the first day.

“The competition is scheduled during the students’ half-term break to ensure participation would not interfere with academic commitments,” she said.

“Beyond medals and trophies, we hope the games will teach discipline, resilience, and sportsmanship to the participants.”

Regina Jemide, the Chief Executive Officer of Riverbank School, praised the organisers for making improvements since the first edition. She said they provided a great platform for students to show their talents.

The tournament was previously called the African School Games. It has been renamed the Pan-African School Games to show its wider vision and goals across the continent.