Canoeing Practitioners – New Boats Will Enhance Training

Practitioners in Rowing, Sailing and Canoeing on Thursday lauded a donation of 20 boats to their federation, saying the equipment would have positive impact on further development of the sport.


The 20 boats donated by the Mutual Benefit Assurance Company, was on Thursday inaugurated by the Minister for Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung in Lagos. Lilian Japhet, a canoeing practitioner, described the donor’s gesture as a welcomed development for growth of the sport.

Japhet who won bronze at the just-concluded Africa Canoeing Championships in South Africa, said it would aid training ahead of major competitions. “We are delighted that we have new boats. I appreciate the company for the donation,” she said. Favour Bewei, a silver medalist at the same championship also expressed her delight at the donation.

According to her, the the boats will encourage practitioners to engage in regular training as well as keep fit ahead of some international events. “We have more boats to train with now and it’s a plus to our development,” she said. Kaninko Stephen, a junior kayak practitioner noted that shortage of boats to train was part of the major problem adversely affecting the growth of the sport, describing the new boats as a relief. “We didn’t have enough boats before but with this addition more athletes will be more interested in training,” he said.