LAGOS EXPOSES SCHOOL PUPILS TO GYMNASTICS

More than 200 students drawn from Public Secondary Schools in Education Districts III and IV in Lagos State took part in the Gymnastics ‘Open Day’ programme organised by the State Government at the Rowe Park Sports Complex, Yaba, Lagos.

The training programme was part of efforts by the Lagos State Gymnastics Association to expose the students to the rudiments of the sport as well as discover latent talents. Some of the participants were taught gymnastics basics such as floor exercise, vaulting nut, balance bim and pummel horse among others.

The Head Coach of the Lagos State Gymnastics Association, Abiodun Oyewuwo disclosed that although the students were young, they, however, responded positively to the training.

According to him, “We have more than 200 students. We have selected 107 who distinguished themselves. The 107 chosen would form the bulk of young gymnasts that the Association will groom. As you know, Lagos has the best equipment for gymnastics in Nigeria. So, I am happy that we are catching them young now”.

The Director-General, Lagos State Sports Commission, Mr. Babatunde Bank-Anthony stated that the essence of the ‘Open Day’ is to produce Gymnasts that will represent the State and Country at major Championships in future. He commended the passion and determination of all participants, adding that their disposition towards Gymnastics has encouraged the Coaches to discover a new pool of talents.

Executive Chairman, Lagos State Sports Commission, Dr. Kweku Adedayo Tandoh, also remarked that “The ‘Open Day’ was one of the talent identification platforms approved by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode for the Commission to develop schools sports as well as introduce new ones to all schools in the State. This is a stepping stone to groom future stars for the country. Our plan is to make Lagos State an ideal ground for discovering and grooming of young talented athletes for Nigeria”.

He informed that those already identified as future talents will be groomed through the regular weekend camping programmes of the Commission, especially during the long school vacation.