Navy anniversary: Sailing club holds diamond Jubilee boat race

The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Ibok Ette-Ibas has said that the Navy Sailing Club had performed up to expectation by producing athletes that have represented the country in international events.

Etta-Ibas who was represented by Rear Adm. Joe Okojie said this at a championship organised by the club to celebrate the diamond jubilee of the Nigeria Navy on Sunday in Lagos.

He noted the Club had contributed immensely to the development of water sports in the country..

According to him, the club was established in 1987 for grassroots development of water sports.

“The future is bright for water sports in the country and I’m amazed with the display of some of the young participants, who are as young as six.

“Products from this club have represented the country meritoriously over the years and I strongly belief the club will not relent.

“The club is also open for civilians who have the talent and zeal for water sports,’’ he said.

Solomon Dalung, Minister for Youths and Sports commended the club for its contribution to sports development.

Dalung, represented by Demola Are, a senior official at the ministry said that development of sports at the grassroots was vital to the growth of sailing.

“Kudos to the naval sailing club for its initiation and support to the growth of sports at the grassroots.

“We assure you that the sport ministry will continue to work hand in hand with the club to discover more talents,” he said.

Also, the Commodore of the club, Tunde Giwa-Daramola reiterated the club’s commitment in discovering and harnessing budding talents in water sports.

Giwa-Daramola noted that the country was blessed with both human and natural resources needed to excel at international events if given the opportunity.

Meanwhile, the event was also used for the inauguration of the new Intra Club Road and Parking Venue inside the club premises.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 13 events was held at the event tagged “Diamond Jubilee Boat Race’’.

The events are Boys and Girls swimming, kayak boys and girls, senior boys and girls swimming, Kayak senior boys and girls and canoeing senior girls.

Others are canoeing senior boys, rowing senior boys and girls, kayak/canoeing and rowing senior boys and girls.

The winners of each event were given gifts while some naval officers were presented with awards for their contribution to the club.