On June 10, 2023, the 2023 National Open Swimming Championships took place at the University of Ghana Swimming Centre, Legon, organized by the Ghana Swimming Association.
A total of 144 swimmers, aged between 8 and 19, participated in the event with the goal of improving their individual times and earning a coveted spot in the national team for future tournaments.
The competition showcased the finest swimmers from eight teams: African Sharks, Dolphins Swim Center, Ghana Aquatic Masters, Ghana Bluefins, GH Dolphins, Legon Sharks, Marlins Swim Team, and Tema Seals Swim Team.
These talented athletes demonstrated remarkable skill and enthusiasm, knowing that their selection for national events was at stake.
After more than six hours of intense competition, the most outstanding swimmers were chosen. Delphina Quaye, the President of the Ghana Swimming Association, emphasized that this event was not a one-time occurrence but part of an ongoing process.
In an exclusive interview with Citi Sports, Delphina Quaye expressed her satisfaction with the high level of competition among the swimmers and assured that Ghana would assemble a formidable team for upcoming swimming contests.
A lot of the swimmers have impressed us and we are happy with what we have seen. A lot of the swimmers have also reduced their time and that is so nice to see. They are really pushing themselves hard to be selected for the national team and represent Ghana at the Africa Games, she said.
The aim of the tournament is to select the best and then camp them and give them more training to help shape them into national champions where they will be continuously cut down their times and eventually see if they can win the country some medals.
Dr. Ofosu Asare, the chairman of the Local Organising Committee of the 13th Africa Games, was present at the event. He emphasized that his attendance was not merely a formality but a demonstration of his belief in swimming as Ghana’s flagship sporting discipline for the upcoming 13th Africa Games, which will be hosted in Accra.
“These competitions are important to the swimming association and the LOC because it is through these events that you can get the best swimmers to represent the country. The swimming association has made us aware it is through these championships they will be selecting national delegates so it is important to be here to lend them a hand and get the best for the country ahead of the 13th Africa Games,” he said.
Citi Sports also had the opportunity to speak with Kodwo Abbiw Jackson, the father of Ghana’s national swimming champion, Abeiku Jackson.
Mr. Jackson expressed his delight at the progress swimming has made over the years and expressed his belief that the sport will continue to grow.
