2019 NYG: Tandoh Reveals Secret Behind Team Lagos’ Success In Swimming

Posted on September 13, 2019

Dr. Tandoh, Executive Chairman Lagos State Sports Commission with the Lagos swimming team on Thursday after the event ended

Executive Chairman of Lagos State Sports Commission, Dr. Kweku Adedayo Tandoh, has given insights into how Team Lagos was able to tame and stop the dominance of Delta State in the swimming event of the National Youth Games.

The swimming event of the 2019 edition of the Youth Games ended Thursday at the Ilorin Township Stadium with Team Lagos winning 5 gold, 9 silver and 1 bronze as against 1 silver and I bronze won during last year’s Games.

P.M. EXPRESS reports that Team Delta hauled majority of gold medals available in the 2018 edition, but struggled to win only 6 gold, 5 silver and 5 bronze, after a good fight from the Lagos swimmers; a result that caught Delta State officials unaware.

The quartet of Abduljabar Adama, Oluwasemilore Ogundipe, Naomi Oke and Agnes John after a golden swim in the mixed medley relay

“The swimming event of this year’s competition was quite eventful,” said Dr. Tandoh who was physically present by the pool side to watch his wards throughout the two days of the swimming events.

“It’s an interesting development for us because last year we did not win any gold medal. After the tournament, we went back home to re-strategise to scout for more swimming talents because we know that definitely the talents are abound.

“We are having quite a good number of them now as we are working closely with the schools, both private and public. Even for this Games, two of our swimmers are on an international assignment in Tunisia where they are representing the country.

Naomi Oke (2nd left) after receiving her silver medal in one swimming events

“In the last one year, we have revamped our swimming programme from the schools and the result was what we got here,” he said.

The Executive Chairman applauded the entire Lagos State Swimming Association for what they have done since the Board was inaugurated last December.

“I must really appreciate the effort of our swimming association. The Board came in after the last Games and you can see what they have since December. They have done excellently well,” he said.