GYMFEST: Organisers hail increased participation, target international breakthrough

The third edition of the GYMFEST Championship is scheduled for November 7, 2026, at The Dome in Lekki Phase 1, Lagos. Organizers expect 278 young gymnasts to compete during the one-day event, which runs from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. The competition, held at 1 Freedom Way, marks a significant increase in attendance compared to previous years. Organizers aim to strengthen grassroots talent development and improve Nigeria’s standing in international gymnastics. Tee Tumblers Gymnastics Club (TTGC) is organizing the event in collaboration with the Society of the Performing Arts in Nigeria (SPAN). Yoyin Akpose, co-convener of the championship and founder of TTGC, confirmed the rise in participation at a press conference in Lagos. She noted that the inaugural edition featured fewer than 100 children, whereas this year’s roster includes 278 registered participants. Akpose stated that demand exceeded available slots, forcing organizers to turn away some schools. “We don’t have the capacity for any more this year, but it’s encouraging to see that parents are interested now and the community keeps growing,” Akpose said. She emphasized that the competition was created to allow children to display their abilities, refine their skills, and gain experience in competitive settings. Akpose expressed confidence that continued investment in grassroots programs will enable Nigeria to produce gymnasts capable of competing globally. Her resolve was reinforced after attending an international competition recently, where she observed limited representation from Nigeria and West Africa. Oluremi Jemitola, chief operating officer of SPAN, attributed the event’s origin to the vision of SPAN founder and chairperson Sarah Boulos. Boulos sought to foster healthier, more confident communities through movement, creativity, and the performing arts. Jemitola highlighted that the three-year partnership between SPAN and TTGC has enhanced the competition’s technical capacity. “Together, we have built and continue to grow what we aspire to be Nigeria’s biggest gymnastics competition,” Jemitola said. The organizers intend to position GYMFEST as Africa’s leading gymnastics festival, with global recognition as a long-term goal. Beyond athletic performance, the event focuses on character building. Jemitola noted that the championship helps children develop confidence, discipline, teamwork, and perseverance. It also serves as a platform for parents to observe their children’s progress and for coaches to receive acknowledgment for their guidance. Jemitola praised the media for its role in amplifying these stories, stating that effective communication can inspire and transform lives. The Lagos State Sports Commission supports the initiative, viewing it as consistent with the state’s agenda for youth engagement. Dr. Oluyomi Olusanmi, director of school sports at the commission, attended the press conference alongside Mr. Deji Aladegbemi, director of sports facilities. Olusanmi explained that organized sports contribute to the cognitive, affective, and psychomotor development of children. She argued that such activities help mitigate social issues, including truancy, juvenile delinquency, and negative peer pressure, while potentially opening career pathways. The festival extends beyond the competition floor with the inclusion of the GYMFEST Souk. This section features vendor stalls selling food, grills, pastries, clothing, and gymnastics attire. Dedicated play areas for different age groups are also part of the program. Corporate sponsors for the 2026 edition include diamond partners ProvidusBank and Unity Bank. Other backers include Leadway Assurance, Banksome Group, Studio 24, YD Company, Indomie, and Gratia Chin Chin. Gymnastics remains a developing sport in Nigeria. The organizers hope the event will encourage further participation from schools and clubs while raising awareness of the sport’s developmental benefits. The growth in registration numbers reflects a broader shift in parental interest and community involvement. Akpose maintained that the nation possesses the necessary talent, citing her personal motivation to push for higher standards. The combination of increased participation, institutional support, and corporate sponsorship signals a strategic effort to elevate the profile of gymnastics within the country. The logistical scale of the event requires coordination between multiple entities. The venue in Lekki Phase 1 hosts both the competitive sessions and the commercial souk. The presence of dignitaries and workforce members highlights the structured nature of the organization. As the number of participants grows, the challenge of maintaining quality instruction and fair competition increases. However, the organizers view the current constraints as evidence of success rather than failure. The inability to accept all applicants underscores the heightened demand for competitive platforms in the region. The alignment between private initiatives and government objectives strengthens the event’s foundation. By linking athletic development to broader social goals, the organizers secure wider buy-in from stakeholders. The specific mention of cognitive and social skill development positions gymnastics as a holistic educational tool. This approach distinguishes GYMFEST from purely recreational activities. The inclusion of vendors and family-friendly zones ensures that the event functions as a community gathering, not just a contest. Looking ahead, the organizers plan to maintain the momentum generated by this edition. The target of becoming a continental leader relies on consistent improvement in technical standards and participant numbers. The feedback from parents and schools indicates a receptive audience for future expansions. The international dimension remains a key driver for the leadership team. Their exposure to global competitions informs their domestic strategies. The ultimate objective is to bridge the gap between local training and international competitiveness. The 2026 edition represents a critical step in that trajectory.