GYMFEST: Organisers hail increased participation, target international breakthrough

Plans for GYMFEST Championship shared with the media in Lagos

The third edition of GYMFEST Championship will hold in Lagos on 7 November, with 278 young gymnasts expected to showcase their skills as organisers intensify efforts to develop grassroots talent and improve Nigeria’s prospects in international gymnastics.

The event, organised by Tee Tumblers Gymnastics Club (TTGC) in collaboration with the Society of the Performing Arts in Nigeria (SPAN), will take place at The Dome, 1 Freedom Way, Lekki Phase 1, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Yoyin Akpose, co-convener of the championship and founder of Tee Tumblers Gymnastics Club, said participation had increased from fewer than 100 children at the inaugural edition to 278 registered participants this year.

“At some point, we have to tell some schools, please wait until next year. We don’t have the capacity for any more this year, but it’s encouraging to see that parents are interested now and the community keeps growing,” she said at a press conference in Lagos.

Mrs Akpose said the competition was established to provide children with opportunities to showcase their abilities, develop their skills and gain experience in competitive gymnastics.

She expressed confidence that sustained grassroots development could help Nigeria produce gymnasts capable of competing internationally.

“I know, we do have the talent, so that’s why I have the drive and the motivation to keep pushing because I feel like I know we will get there,” she said.

Mrs Akpose said her determination to promote gymnastics was reinforced by watching an international competition last week, where she was disappointed by the limited representation from Nigeria and West Africa.

She said the experience strengthened her resolve to create opportunities for young Nigerians to develop their abilities and compete at the highest level.

Gymnastics remains a developing sport in Nigeria, and GYMFEST seeks to encourage more schools and clubs to participate while increasing awareness of its competitive and developmental benefits.

Oluremi Jemitola, chief operating officer of SPAN, said the championship was established through the vision of the organisation’s founder and chairperson, Sarah Boulos, to promote healthier, more confident communities through movement, creativity and the performing arts.

She said the partnership between SPAN and Tee Tumblers, which began three years ago, had strengthened the competition’s technical capacity and contributed to its growth.

“Today, we are proud to say that, together, we have built and continue to grow what we aspire to be Nigeria’s biggest gymnastics competition,” Mrs Jemitola said.

She added that the organisers hoped to establish GYMFEST as Africa’s leading gymnastics festival and competition, with global recognition as a long-term ambition.

According to her, the championship goes beyond sporting performances by helping children develop confidence, discipline, teamwork and perseverance. It also provides an opportunity for parents to celebrate their children’s progress and coaches to receive recognition for their contributions.

Oluyomi Olusanmi, director of school sports at the Lagos State Sports Commission, commended the organisers for providing opportunities for children to participate in organised sporting activities.

Representing the commission at the press conference, Ms Olusanmi said the initiative aligned with Lagos State’s development agenda, particularly its focus on youth engagement and children’s overall development.

She explained that sports helped develop children’s cognitive, affective and psychomotor skills, contributing to their intellectual, social and physical growth.

Ms Olusanmi added that participation in sports could provide career opportunities and help address social challenges, including truancy, juvenile delinquency and negative peer pressure.

She said the championship supported the commission’s vision of making Lagos a leading sports destination in Africa.

The organisers said their partnership with the commission would help expand gymnastics participation beyond Lagos and contribute to the sport’s development across Nigeria.

The organisers acknowledged the support of ProvidusUnity Bank, the diamond partner, alongside Banksome Group, Leadway Assurance, YD Company, Studio24, Indomie and Gratia Chin Chin.

They said the partners had contributed financially and supported efforts to ensure the event’s success.

The festival will also feature the GYMFEST Souk, where vendors will sell food, pastries, clothing, gymnastics attire and other products. A children’s play area catering to different age groups will provide additional activities for families.

The organisers said the championship would allow participants to demonstrate skills developed through months of training while encouraging more children to embrace gymnastics.

Tunde Eludini is a graduate of the Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife, Nigeria where he studied International Relations. He is a Senior Correspondent coordinating the sports section for PREMIUM TIMES. Twitter: @tundeyeludini