Dolphin League opens Season 8 with 23 schools

The eighth season of the Dolphin Swimming League began on a colourful note at Grange School, Ikeja, Lagos, at the weekend, attracting hundreds of young swimmers alongside a large turnout of parents and guardians who came out to support the athletes.

Recognised as Nigeria’s foremost inter-school swimming competition, the annual league is organised by Dynaspro Sports Promotion in collaboration with Advanta Interactive Limited, and is sanctioned by the Nigeria Aquatics Federation, the Nigeria Olympic Committee, the Nigeria School Sport Federation and the Lagos State Swimming Association.

What started in 2018 with just five schools has grown into a thriving grassroots competition featuring 23 schools and swimming clubs this season. The competition also welcomed participants from Abuja for the first time, underlining its expanding national reach, and has earned commendation from the Africa Aquatics Federation for its contribution to the development of junior swimming in Nigeria.

Speaking at the opening event, Vice President of the Africa Aquatics Federation, Babatunde Fatai-Williams, praised the league’s impact on youth swimming development, noting that it has given young swimmers consistent opportunities to train, compete, and improve over time.

“I have been a strong supporter of the Dolphin Swimming League since its inception in 2018. It has made an enormous impact on junior swimming in Lagos State and Nigeria as a whole,” he said.

Fatai-Williams added that the dominance of Lagos swimmers at national junior championships and the National Youth Games reflected the benefits of sustained grassroots competition, stressing that regular events remain essential for sharpening young athletes’ skills.

Coordinator of the Dolphin Swimming League, Oluseyi Oyebode, called for greater support from stakeholders to strengthen grassroots swimming programmes nationwide. While acknowledging backing from the Nigerian Olympic Committee, the Lagos State Government and the Nigeria Aquatics Federation, he said more collaboration was needed to sustain and expand the league’s impact.

“Working at the grassroots level has always been challenging. Sustainability and proper structures are critical for long-term success,” Oyebode said.

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He also raised concerns over the migration of talented Nigerian swimmers to countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom in search of better opportunities, insisting that stronger domestic support systems would help nurture and retain emerging talent.

Oyebode disclosed plans to expand the competition to other regions, particularly the South-West and Abuja, before the end of the season, and described swimming as an important life skill that teaches discipline, perseverance and self-confidence, urging governments and private organisations to invest in more public swimming facilities.

Young swimmer, Jotham Abdullahi of Corona School, said the league had helped him focus on improving his personal best times rather than simply chasing medals. Having competed in the league for three years, he credited the competition with helping him build friendships, develop confidence and understand the value of hard work.

Parents at the event also commended the organisers for creating a safe, disciplined and motivating environment, noting that the league promotes healthy lifestyles while encouraging children to challenge themselves and strive for excellence.

With growing participation, expanding reach and increasing recognition, the Dolphin Swimming League continues to establish itself as a vital platform for developing the next generation of swimming talent in Nigeria.