The Badagry Swim initiative is a social impact project organized by the Badagry International Film Cultural and Sports Festival (BIFIF). Our mission at BIFIF is to enhance access to outdoor activities for all individuals, with a focus on improving mental and physical wellbeing. An integral aspect of our work involves promoting outdoor pursuits, such as open water swimming, and fostering a connection with nature among those who may not have the means or opportunity to do so otherwise. Through targeted outreach efforts and collaboration with community organizations, we strive to dismantle barriers and combat stigmas associated with outdoor activities.
The inability to swim is often the primary obstacle preventing individuals from taking part in aquatic pursuits, which is why BIFIF Sports spearheaded its first initiative with a community swim programme. This event has the potential to make a significant impact on the advancement of open water swimming in Nigeria, drawing attention from a global audience. We are pleased to witness initiatives like this that endorse sports and promote healthy lifestyles within our community.
The community swim programme initiated by BIFIF is built on a foundation of community empowerment, tackling local challenges with local resources and local expertise. As participants become involved in the programme, they will play an active role in shaping its direction and encouraging others to participate. By becoming peer mentors, they will advocate for their peers within the community, alleviating concerns, discussing expectations, and addressing practical considerations such as attire, transportation, and coaching styles.
Progress within this initiative will unfold gradually, guided by the principle of building trust. In community work, investing time in cultivating relationships, providing reassurance, and creating safe environments is always time well spent.
We believe that promoting swimming as a life skill can help individuals develop self-confidence, build community, expand support networks, and access limitless opportunities in Lagos. Our approach involves understanding the local context and needs, prioritizing social bonding, building group dynamics, and addressing deep-rooted issues before focusing on swimming itself.
While there is still work to be done to ensure equitable access to swimming for all, we are dedicated to breaking down barriers and fostering connections with similar initiatives at local, national, and international levels. Our goal is to create a swimming community that reflects the vibrant diversity of our society, allowing everyone to benefit from the mental, physical, and social aspects of this enjoyable activity.
The partnership between the Badagry International Film Cultural and Sports Festival and the Lagos Open Water Swimming Tournament is a fantastic opportunity to promote swimming and showcase the talent of athletes from Badagry. This collaboration underscores the festival’s commitment to sports development and its potential to discover hidden swimming talents in the region.
The qualifying trials for the tournament, which drew over 100 swimmers, illustrate the growing interest in open water swimming in Lagos State. The endorsement of the event by the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) further validates its significance within the sports community. The upcoming 8km swim in the Lagos Lagoon on November 23rd promises to be an exciting and memorable event for both participants and spectators.
The collaboration between BIFIF and the Lagos Open Water Swimming Tournament exemplifies the significant impact of partnerships in advancing sports and nurturing talent. We are thrilled to witness the potential of this initiative in motivating and supporting aspiring athletes for years to come.