HISTORY OF GYMNASTICS IN NIGERIA
Gymnastics in Nigeria is as old as our culture. In different parts of Nigeria (Acrobatic) gymnastic are played days in days out, but it is more prominent in the former Mid-Western, Western region and the Eastern part Nigeria. In this part of Nigeria, gymnastics is incorporated into the traditional dances especially the igbabonelimi of the Ishans in Edo State. However, Olympic gymnastics did not start in Nigeria until the year 1974 when some Chinese coaches invited by the federal government on an exchange programme through the then national sport Commission under Major general Henry Adefowope (rtd). Sometimes in September 1974 the Chinese coaches visited some primary’s and secondary schools in lagos State to scout for talented young able bodied students between the ages of 9-12 years. About to hundred students were selected from the schools visited by the Chinese experts/coaches and were later assembled at the indoor sport hall of the National Stadium Surulere Lagos for training. ...