By THE University of Ibadan has hosted the 5th Edition of the Professor Falaye Open Swimming Competition at the University of Ibadan Swimming Pool Complex to promote swimming as a sport.
Professor Augustine Eyiwunmi Falaye, the sponsor of the competition, is a former Dean of Students in UI.
He is a Professor of Aquaculture, Fisheries Management and Sustainable Aquatic Environmental Development who retired in 2022 at the age of 70.
Professor Falaye recalled that he started swimming at the age of 16, but was drafted into swimming in 1983 as an honorary coach, and ever since then, he has been engaged with UI swimming pool and swimming exercises.
He said swimming was an everyday event in his life, adding that swimming was the best exercise in the world because it really takes care of every part of the body.
He said it was in realisation of this that he has been desirous of promoting swimming and to ensure that everyone was aware of its importance to everyday life.
Professor Falaye noted that another unique quality of swimming is that one does not need a partner to swim, unlike other sports like football, table tennis, long tennis, etc., which require one to play with at least a partner.
He said one could swim on one’s own or decide to swim with a family, a group, or another person without necessarily competing.
The don acknowledged the support that he received from friends for this 5th Edition and the cash award made available by members of his immediate family.
He, however, solicited corporate partnership so as to take the competition beyond the present level.
The participants in the swimming competition were drawn from different clubs in Nigeria, and they included primary school students, secondary school students, and students from different tertiary institutions from below 10 years to above 17 years.
The swimming competition events were for male and female participants who were 40 in number.
The events were 200m freestyle, 100m freestyle; 200m backstroke, 50m breaststroke, 50m butterfly, 4×50 Mixed Medley Relay, and 4×50 Mixed Freestyle Relay.
Among the nine clubs that participated in the swimming competition, Obafemi Awolowo University Swimming Club took the first position, Harmony Swimming Club took the second position, and Jossy Swimming Club took the third position.
All the winners in each event were presented awards and certificates for the first, second, and third positions.
The Registrar of the University of Ibadan, Mr. G. O. Saliu, represented by the Deputy Registrar (General Administration), Dr. F. I. Etadon, was the chairman at the opening ceremony.
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