Dolphin Swimming League gains Lagos government backing as LSSC partners organisers to host first long course swimming event in February

The Lagos State Sports Commission has agreed to partner with the organisers of the Dolphin Swimming League following the impressive organisation and growing impact of Nigeria’s foremost private inter school swimming competition.

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The partnership will see the staging of the league’s first long course event on February 21 at the Mobolaji Johnson Sports Centre, Rowe Park, Lagos, marking a significant milestone for grassroots swimming development in the state.

The decision is closely linked to Lagos State’s dominance in swimming at the 2025 National Youth Games, where the sport accounted for the bulk of the state’s gold medals and helped secure its first ever overall championship victory.

Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Lekan Fatodu, acknowledged that most of the medallists at the games were products of the Dolphin Swimming League, describing the initiative as a powerful talent discovery platform.

Fatodu praised the organisers for their consistency and professionalism, noting that the steady improvement witnessed at each edition of the Dolphin Swimming League reflects a strong commitment to youth development.

He reaffirmed the state government’s resolve to support programmes that provide young athletes with opportunities to discover their abilities and transition into elite sports.

According to him, the partnership aligns with the vision of Governor Babajide Sanwo Olu to empower young people and ensure talents identified in schools are nurtured towards international success.

Fatodu added that the commission is working with the organisers to identify gaps in training and facilities, stressing that the Dolphin Swimming League has already delivered measurable results for Lagos at national competitions.

Meanwhile, preparations have been completed for the upcoming long course event, which will be held at the newly constructed Olympic size swimming pool at Rowe Park, Yaba.

Coordinator of the league, Oluseyi Oyebode, confirmed the development, describing the partnership with the Lagos State Sports Commission as a major achievement for the competition.

Oyebode said the upcoming event would also feature young swimmers returning from the African Youth Games in Angola, underscoring the rapid growth and rising profile of the Dolphin Swimming League.

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He expressed optimism that the collaboration with the state would further strengthen the league’s role in producing elite swimmers and expanding opportunities for school age athletes across Lagos.