NBC National Boat Racing Championship ends in Lagos

The role of sports in the development of people and communities was again brought to the fore at the just concluded National Boat Racing Championship sponsored by the Nigerian Bottling Company Limited.
Speaking at the prize presentation ceremony, Ben Langat, the Managing Director, Nigerian Bottling Company Limited, emphasised that sports such as boat racing in addition to creating excitement amongst the followers, generates economic opportunities for many people who provide support services to competing teams and ultimately promotes the wellbeing of the participants.
The 2013 edition of the championship, staged at the Lagos Yacht Club on May 11, featured 24 teams competing in three categories.
According to Langat: “This edition witnessed a high turnout of boat racing enthusiasts.
“It is evident that with sustained support, the sport can become even more popular in Nigeria.
“Our sponsorship of the National Boat Racing Championship is part of our overall contribution to the growth and development of sports in Nigeria.
“We are happy to support the growth of this sport that attracts people into the game either as players, service providers or spectators, contributing generally to the wellbeing and economic development of our communities.”
Recalling NBC’s sponsorship of the last edition of the National Sports Festival tagged Eko 2012, and the COPA Coca-Cola Youth Football Tournament among others, Langat indicated that the Company is focused on investing in sports across different social strata while encouraging people to lead active lifestyles.
Among the most outstanding teams in the championship was Tanamko T29, led by Jerome Sastre and Peter Kolev, who won the Combined Category award, while Graham Gips and Kristian Gips combined to win the Yacht Lightning Category award.