Other Sports
OLYMPIC SUPPORT FOR DOLPHIN SWIMMING LEAGUE
The Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) has thrown its weight behind the maiden Dolphin Swimming League as the inter-school tournament officially kicks off on Saturday at the Lagos Preparatory School in Ikoyi, Lagos.
According to the Secretary General of NOC, Tunde Popoola, the staging of the league would surely help to grow swimming in the country. He also believes that this would help to unearth talents.
“Let me congratulate you for this laudable project to develop swimming in Nigeria and the search for talents to represent this great country of ours in nearest future.
“The NOC is usually in support of projects like this and will continue to support such. We hereby endorse the Dolphin Swimming League and will continue to give support to its development,” the NOC scribe said.
Also, the Chairman of the Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC), Kweku Tandoh, also lauded the organisers for the initiative while pledging government support for the tournament.
Tandoh, believes such a programme would help to groom world beaters for Lagos and Nigeria as a nation.
For the initiator and CEO of Dynaspro, Oluseyi Oyebode, the ideal behind the tournament is to discover and develop young, talented swimmers to compete on the international stage for Nigeria while also developing youth swimming coaches across the country.
Among the objectives of the tournament is to grow the sport as well as unearth talents and improve the technical know-how of the coaches.
President of the Nigeria Aquatics Federation, Babatunde Fatayi-Williams, also commended the organisers for initiating the tournament while assuring them of the federation’s support.
“We are so excited that the organisers of this tournament muted this kind of idea to take the sport to grassroots level.
“All over the world, sports is a private public partnership and that is why we have not been able to utilize the potential of sports in this country. We are going to assure the organisers that we will keep tab of the talents that will emerge from this tournament.
“We are going to support them technically through the Lagos State Swimming Association and we are assuring them we will keep record of the talents so that we can consider them for major competitions,” Fatayi-Williams said.
According to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Advanta Interactive Global Limited – marketing firm of the tournament, Efe Ojigbede, more sponsors are expected to come on board to spice up the championship.
History will be made in Lagos as the city becomes the first on the African continent to host the world’s all-electric powerboat championship, the E1 Series, from October 3 to 5, 2025.
The announcement marks a major milestone for Nigeria and Africa, as the E1 Lagos Grand Prix brings cutting-edge water sport, innovation, and environmental sustainability to the continent’s shores for the first time.
Sharing the news on his X (formerly Twitter) handle, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu described the event as “a demonstration of innovation and progress, showing how sport can inspire sustainable solutions for the future.”
He added: “It is also a celebration of the creativity and resilience that define our people. This occasion gives us the opportunity to showcase Lagos to the world as we know it: welcoming, dynamic, and determined to embrace the future with confidence.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu also extended an open invitation to Lagosians and the global community to witness the groundbreaking spectacle.
“The E1 Lagos Grand Prix is a chance for Lagos, and for Africa, to stand proudly on the global stage,” he said.
Traditionally renowned for its passion for land-based sports like football, Africa is now set to explore its aquatic potential as the UIM E1 Series, presented by PIF, transforms Lagos’ waterfront into a thrilling race track.
Scheduled for October 4–5, the E1 Lagos Grand Prix promises a unique blend of speed, culture, and sustainability, turning the city’s coastline into a symbol of Africa’s readiness to embrace innovation and green technology in sports.
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Pastor Enoch A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) has unveiled a full-size stadium and an Olympic-size 50-metre swimming pool at the Peaceville International Academy, located within the Redemption City of God, Ogun State.
The esteemed cleric was accompanied by his wife, Pastor Folu Adeboye, along with top church leaders including Pastor Joseph Obayemi; RCCG National Overseer, Pastor Sunday Akande, and the management of Peaceville International Academy led by Head of School Dolapo Fatoki.
The event was graced by several board members of the school, including Leke Adeoye, Olugbenga Omojola, Ayoola Jolayemi, Noah Osato, and Mrs Busola Ogunsiji.
Reflecting on his past, Pastor Adeboye lamented the lack of such facilities during his university days and the general scarcity of quality sports amenities across the country.
“This kind of well-grassed stadium and serene environment were not available in universities during our time. Remarkably, God has made this possible in a secondary school, showing that He is on our side,” he remarked.
He offered prayers for those who contributed to the realization of these facilities and expressed his vision for the school to become a global brand.
In her welcome address, Pastor Mrs. Adeboye, the founder of the college, described the institution as a legacy made possible by God’s support.
She thanked her husband for his unwavering support in making the school a reality and emphasized the importance of the sports facilities in moulding Godly champions.
The unveiling ceremony also featured a novelty match to celebrate Pastor Adeboye’s 83rd birthday, with him performing the ceremonial kick-off for the match between Redemption City FC and Region 1 FC. The home team triumphed with a 4-0 victory.
Head of School Dolapo Fatoki highlighted that the facilities would be judiciously used to enhance the physical well-being of students and position the school as a hub for sports development in Ogun State and Nigeria.
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Championship promotion chasers Burnley clocked up 1,000 minutes without conceding a league goal as they drew 0-0 at Preston North End on Saturday to stay third in the table.
It was Burnley’s 24th Championship clean sheet of the season and their 11th in a row — a new English second-tier record.
In 33 Championship games their miserly defence has been breached only nine times and no opposition player has scored against them in the league since Dec. 21.
Burnley keeper James Trafford has faced only 21 shots on target in achieving his 11 successive clean sheets — including two penalties which he saved against Sunderland.
Scott Parker’s side need just one more clean sheet to match the Championship record of Queen’s Park Rangers in 2010-11.
“It’s something we pride ourselves on. We’re proud of being hard to beat and if you can’t win games, don’t lose them,” Burnley midfielder Josh Cullen told the club’s website.
“We come away with a point thanks to that defensive record and being solid again here at a tough place.”
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