AS the JK Randle Swimming Competition goes international, three West African countries are billed to participate in the 2009 edition, which has been tentatively slated for April.

The countries, according to the Chairman, Lagos State Swimming Association, Nse-Obong Jesimiel, are Ghana, Cote d'Ivoire and Senegal. Furthermore, many other states of the federation will also have the latitude to participate in the competition as against the former situation where only a handful of states from the western part of the country took part.

Jesimiel told The media yesterday in an interview that after successfully hosting 80 editions of the championship in Nigeria, it was time to bring in West African countries to the event. He said the decision to include West African neighbours started with the interaction between members of his executive committee and swimming chieftains of the countries when both parties met at the last African Swimming Championship in South Africa.

"We will continue with exchange of correspondence on the matter so as to keep them informed on the exercise and also get updates on their preparations," the chairman stated.

He further disclosed that the sponsor of the competition, J.K. Randle, has given the idea his blessing, adding that each of the countries will come with a team of about eight swimmers, depending on if they wish to take part in the relay event.

Commenting on what the country stands to gain from bringing other countries into the event, Jesimiel said "this development will open the doors for Nigerian swimmers to be invited to similar competitions in these countries thereby exposing them to numerous competitions, which they need to improve their skills and time. "The inclusion of swimmers from other parts of the country will also make the championship much more competitive."