By Princess Chukwuemeka

Chairman of the Main Organi-sing Committee of the 7th Chief of Naval Staff Swimming Championship, Commodore Suraji Mustapha Bello and the President of the Nigerian Aquatic Federation, Fatai Williams on Friday inspected the swimming pool at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere ahead of the 2016 CNS swimming championship.

The committee expressed satisfaction after the inspection, saying that the pools were ready for use. The competition kicks off Thursday 22nd through Sunday 25th.

Speaking in Lagos at the pre-championship news briefing, President of the Nigerian Aquatic Federation  said the 2016 CNS Championship will be different because talented junior swimmers will compete in the newly introduced junior category of the championship.

Williams who debunked the notion that swimming was a ‘white man’s sport’ said, “swimming is not just for the whites but the blacks are equally good if well trained and given the right environment.”

The NAF boss further stated that adequate funding was needed to keep the pools working in order to keep the swimmers busy round the clock.

“The pools need generators, the generators require diesel, we need the manpower and water purifiers to keep the pools working. Swimming is an expensive sport.”

He thanked the Lagos state  Government for partnering with the federation and accepting to host this competition.