Written by Amos Joseph
Despite the fact that swimming is a fun and healthy
activity for everyone, it was never my game but occasionally, I go out to enjoy
myself at a popular swimming pool around my neighbourhood, owing to the fact
that it is one of the most visited relaxation and fun site around. Although it
was fun, but i later realized that i go to the pool just for the rave of the
moment.
Every time i called at the swimming pool, i noticed a
particular kid who’s not even a teenager. Her swimming skill is amazing and
quite fascinating. I’m not a good swimmer but i appreciate those with the
talent and skills.
Of course, the Hotel provided a small-sized (children) section but this kid
goes back and Forth on different strokes reaching the Length and the breadth of
the standard (adult) swimming pool. One need not to be told that she has
undergone some swimming lessons. Little wonder whenever she’s in the water
someone is always on the touchlines to dish out instructions to her on her
movement.
After all i only come to the swimming pool for fun, watching her exhibiting her skills was never a waste of time.
Although for some time, i haven't been to the spot
since there was no festival to propel my movement.
Meanwhile, the feat attained by China and the United
States of America in swimming at the recently concluded London 2012 Olympic
games has further proven that age has little or nothing to do with capabilities.
Watching the swimming event in the Olympics brought
back the memory of the wonder kid as the world saw 15 and 16year old teenagers
win Gold medals. It was surprising at the same time inspiring. Anyone in his
right thinking would acknowledge that these countries have done something
special to have had such a confidence to present teenagers to be paired against
adults.
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| Favour @age Two |
Back home, we have kids like Favour Naomi Oke who’s
only seven years old and has such a talent that can mesmerize the world and win
medals. She started swimming when she
was two years old, participated in the Lagos State Under-age Swimming
competition and DR E.I.P Ebozie swimming competition both in 2010 against older
teenagers.
From her performance at both competitions, she attracted
various authorities (State and Individuals) with promises ranging from
scholarship and training aid, all yet to be fulfilled. Over time, She has been
under the tutelage of her biological father who manages the swimming pool
section of the hotel. Favour and her father are hopeful of her career.
Although Nigeria did not participate in swimming event
at the London Olympic games, the nation could not win a single medal in all
event and according to records, it was the worst experience since the inception
of the games.
Whenever the country fails in any major exhibition,
the usual phrase ‘drawing board’ becomes the song. It is often said that anyone
who fails to plan, plans to fail. We cannot continue to neglect grassroots
development and expect medals to roll in.
Imagine the teenagers that won medals, lets imagine
when they started preparing. If only our nation provides the right environment
like state of the art training facilities, proper funding and administration of
our sports may be talents won’t rust away unharnessed.
There will be many other kids like Favour Naomi Oke
around Nigeria waiting to become potential athletes and medal winners at the
world stage. Are we still going to fold our hands and watch?
Sunshine stars will today host
six-time winners Al Ahly of Egypt in south-western town Ijebu Ode on Saturday
for the first leg of their tie of the CAF Champions League. 
The
Confederation of African Football announces the beginning of the process to
select the continent’s top footballer of 2012, with the publication of a list
of 34 players nominated for the crown currently held by Ivorian Yaya Toure. In
addition a list of 32 names has been drawn from which the African Player of the
year (Based in Africa) will be selected.
Imagine the teenagers that won medals, lets imagine
when they started preparing. If only our nation provides the right environment
like state of the art training facilities, proper funding and administration of
our sports may be talents won’t rust away unharnessed.
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English Premier League heavy weight, Manchester United have completed the signing of Robin Van Persie from Arsenal on a four year deal contract worth £24 Million (£200,000 per week)