Hunt for Swimming talents begins

National Swimming Coach Philip Demehin says he is on the look out for new talents at the 4th Dr. Peter Odili Open Swimming Championships which begins on Tuesday, November 9 in Port Harcourt.

"Some of our swimmers are very old in the sport and understandably, their productivity has ebbed.I have been canvassing for the Age-group competition for the past one year but during this Championships, I will be on the look out for new talents" said Coach Demehin.

The National Coach also expressed the hope that new records will tumble at the four day meet.

"It is always a tradition that in all swimming Championships, records will be broken because there is improvement every year round. At the last World Championships in Indianapolis ,several records were shattered and so in Port Harcourt too, we expect to see old records broken. If you recall very well, at
the last National Sports Festical, Elizabeth Akerele of Edo State, Uche Monu of Lagos State and Blessing Forcados of Delta State created new nationals records and they will be in Port Harcourt, conscious of the fact that all eyes will be on them. They will create new records",he said.

Coach Demehin was also full of praise for the President of Nigeria Swimming Federation,Dr. Peter Odili for his deep interest in the sport of swimming.

"We will continue to show our appreciation to His Excellency Dr. Peter Odili for his consistency in sponsoring this annual championships. He has demonstrated how dynamic and passionate he is when it comes to swimming.Our youths will definitely have quality time in Port Harcourt and the prize money will go a long way in assisting them solve some economic problems",he said.

Competition will begin in earnest on Tuesday, November 10 with morning and evening sessions. The Competition ends of saturday with the award of prizes and certificates to outstanding individual swimmers ,states and clubs.