LSWA Equips Athletes to Bolster Performance and National Readiness

The Lagos State Weightlifting Association (LSWA) has taken a significant step toward sporting excellence by donating a comprehensive set of modern training equipment to its athletes. The presentation, which took place at the Mobolaji Johnson Sports Centre, Rowe Park, in Yaba, is designed to provide weightlifters with the necessary tools to refine their technique and build the physical strength required for high-level competition.

During the official handover, Ife Ogunlaja, the Director of Technical for the Lagos State Sports Commission, highlighted the impact this gesture will have on the athletes' focus. He emphasized that by providing state-of-the-art gear, the Commission is removing the logistical hurdles that often distract sportspeople, allowing them to concentrate solely on their training regimens. This new equipment is expected to serve as a vital catalyst for improved results in the coming months.

The move also addresses a critical gap in the state's sporting infrastructure. Ogunlaja noted that the donation serves as a major upgrade to existing facilities, ensuring that Lagosian lifters are not at a disadvantage when preparing for national and international championships. The goal is to create a seamless transition from local training grounds to global stages by mirroring the quality of equipment found at elite competitions.

​Speaking on the broader vision, the Vice Chairman of the LSWA, Aderemi Lasisi, lamented that weightlifting often struggles for attention compared to more mainstream sports like football or basketball. He positioned this donation as a strategic effort to assist the government in elevating weightlifting into a premier international sport. According to Lasisi, this initiative will begin in Lagos but is slated to expand to other southwest states to foster regional development.

Lasisi offered a word of counsel to the beneficiaries, urging them to remain disciplined and "clean." He advised the athletes to strictly avoid performance-enhancing drugs, noting that the new equipment provides everything they need to succeed through hard work and natural talent. The LSWA remains committed to maintaining the integrity of the sport while pushing for a "Greater Lagos" in the athletic arena.