Lagos backs GYMFest 3.0 to boost grassroots talent

No fewer than 278 young gymnasts are set to hit Lagos State as the third edition of the GYMFest Championship holds on November 7, 2026, at The Dome, Lekki Phase 1.

The event, jointly organised by the Tee Tumblers Gymnastics Club and the Society of the Performing Arts in Nigeria, aims to boost grassroots talent, promote physical development, and expand Nigeria’s prospects in international gymnastics.

Participation in the annual competition has grown significantly from under 100 children at the inaugural edition to 278 registered gymnasts this year, reflecting rising interest from parents, schools, and local clubs.

Co-convener of the championship and founder of Tee Tumblers Gymnastics Club, Yoyin Akpose, disclosed at a press conference in Lagos that high demand forced organisers to cap entries for the current edition.

“At some point, we have to tell some schools, please wait until next year. 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,” she said.

Akpose explained that the championship was established to afford children an avenue to showcase their abilities, hone skills, and build competitive experience.

She expressed confidence that sustained grassroots development would help Nigeria produce athletes capable of excelling on the global stage, following her disappointment over limited West African representation at a recent international meet.

“I know we do have the talent, so that’s why I have the drive and the motivation to keep pushing because I feel like I know we will get there,” Akpose added.

Corroborating this stance, Chief Operating Officer of SPAN, Oluremi Jemitola, noted that GYMFest originated from the vision of SPAN Founder and Chairperson, Mrs Sarah Boulos, to inspire healthier, more confident communities through movement, creativity, and the performing arts.

She noted that the three-year technical partnership with Tee Tumblers has elevated the competition, positioning it to become Africa’s leading gymnastics festival.

“Today, we are proud to say that, together, we have built and continue to grow what we aspire to be Nigeria’s biggest gymnastics competition,” Jemitola stated.

She added, “We believe GYMFest is more than an event; it is an opportunity to celebrate fitness, movement, wellness, and community while encouraging our children and youth to embrace active and healthy living, striving towards mastering essential life skills.”

Jemitola also commended the media, noting, “You wield a powerful influence in society, and the way you capture, communicate, and amplify the stories you witness has the power to inspire, encourage, and transform lives.”

The Lagos State Sports Commission has also thrown its weight behind the tournament. Director of School Sports, Dr Oluyomi Olusanmi, who represented the commission alongside Director of Sports Facilities, Mr Deji Aladegbemi, stated that the initiative aligns with the state’s youth engagement agenda.

She explained that sports help develop children’s cognitive, affective, and psychomotor skills, while curbing social vices like truancy, juvenile delinquency, and negative peer pressure.

The one-day festival will also feature the GYMFest Souk, offering vendor stalls for food, grills, pastries, clothing, and gymnastics attire, as well as dedicated children’s play areas across different age categories.

The 2026 edition enjoys corporate backing from diamond partner ProvidusBank and Unity Bank, alongside Leadway Assurance, Banksome Group, Studio 24, YD Company, Indomie, and Gratia Chin Chin.