By Kemoh Sesay
The Sierra Leone national swimming team has started preparation for the 1st edition of the Lagos International Swimming Classics scheduled for the 6th-11th November 2013 at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos respectively.
Fifteen countries including Burkina Faso, Gambia, Senegal, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Togo, Benin, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Mali, Niger, Cameroon and Congo Brazzaville are set to participate in this year`s competition.
According to the Secretary General of the Sierra Leone Swimming, Water polo and Diving Association (SLSWDA), Mohamed Turay the team is training and looking forward to the challenge ahead. “It would be an interesting competition that will not only expose the swimmers but will also help in building the confidence of African swimmers in future world competitions”, said Turay.
Turay sad, “Our swimmers set local records in the just concluded FINA Games in Barcelona and I am optimistic that they can do more in future competitions and called on government and business houses to help them realize their dreams.
Events lined up are: 50m, 100m & 200m events in all strokes plus 400m Freestyle (all events for Men and Women). There will also be Mixed Relays (2 men and 2 women per team)
The initiative to organise the competition was discussed by African representatives at the FINA World Championship and Nigeria won the bid to host the first championship.
(C) Politico 01/10/13
