Swimming events at the second Pan-African School Games took centre stage on Friday at the Olympic-size swimming pool of the James Hope College, in Lagos.
No fewer than 11 schools from Lagos sent young athletes to compete.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Seun Akinbohun, Busola Tejumola and Aderoju Ope-Ajayi organised the three-day event.
The games aim to promote sporting excellence, while creating opportunities for education, career development and cultural exchange among young people.
Swimmers aged 11 to 15 competed across various events in the Under-11, Under-13 and Under-15 categories, battling for honours.
The competition also attracted hundreds of parents and guardians, who turned out to cheer and encourage the young athletes.
Speaking with NAN on the sidelines of the competition, co-organiser Aderoju Ope-Ajayi, Chairman of the Lagos State Aquatics Association, said they were motivated by passion and a desire to make a difference for young athletes in sports.
This, he said, was irrespective of financial constraints.
“Year 2025 was our first edition and it was tough. Our passion, drive and desire to make a difference in sports motivated us to keep going,” she said.
Ope-Ajayi acknowledged the support of sponsors and partners, describing their contributions as vital to the competition's success.
She noted that the maiden edition helped identify talented young athletes and opened pathways for further sports development opportunities.
The co-organiser also commended parents for encouraging their children to participate in sports.
“Our parents have been very supportive. You can see them under the sun, cheering and encouraging their children. We are very grateful,” she said.
According to her, the competition is deliberately scheduled during the students’ half-term break to avoid disrupting their academic activities.
She said they hoped to see stronger performances, good sportsmanship and greater enjoyment of sports among the participants.
“We want to see great sportsmanship, records being broken and most importantly, children enjoying sports.
“We want them to understand that whatever they set their minds on, they can achieve,” she said
Ope-Ajayi described the opening day as a success, revealing that about 400 children and more than 200 parents attended the event.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Riverbank School, Regina Jemide, commended the organisers for their commitment to youth sports development and the improvements recorded since the inaugural edition.
“I think the organisers have done a brilliant job. I run a school, and we have won small competitions,” she said.
Jemide said the initiative mattered because it strengthened children’s sporting abilities and gave them opportunities to develop their talents.
The competition, formerly known as the African School Games, was recently rebranded as the Pan-African School Games, to reflect its broader vision.
For many participants, the swimming events had already produced memorable moments.
Tioluwanimi Ayo-Biala of St. Saviour’s School helped her team win the mixed freestyle relay and finished second in the butterfly event.
Similarly, Areli Aduroja of Lagos Preparatory and Secondary School (LPSS) also celebrated winning a medal in breaststroke.
Coach Olugbenga Payne of LPSS also lauded the organisers, saying the competition had become a valuable platform for young athletes to develop their talents and gain exposure.
“I would like to use this opportunity to commend the efforts of the organisers of the Pan-African School Games.
Last year was the first edition and comparing last year with this year, the organisers have proven one thing: that these games have come to stay,” he said.
Payne said the organisation and facilities used for the competition showed the organisers’ commitment to developing sports.
“From the organisation to the facilities that we are using here, it shows intent. It shows the will to push sports,” he added.
NAN reports that as the games progress, organisers and participants remain optimistic that it will inspire the next generation of sporting champions across Africa.
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