Tee Tumblers Gymnastics Club secured the top position in the medal table at the third edition of the GYMFEST Championship, held on 7 November at The Dome in Lekki Phase 1, Lagos. According to Premium Times, the club accumulated 141 points by winning 26 gold, 22 silver and 19 bronze medals. Kofunjo Club finished second with 60 points, while Lagos State Gymnastics placed third with 45 points. A total of 21 clubs participated in the event, bringing together 278 young gymnasts.
The competition, organised by Tee Tumblers Gymnastics Club and the Society of the Performing Arts in Nigeria, has seen significant growth in participation. Premium Times reported that the number of registered gymnasts increased from fewer than 100 at the inaugural edition to 278 this year. Yoyin Akpose, co-convener of GYMFEST and founder of Tee Tumblers, stated that the organisers are aiming to expand the competition into an international event. She noted that the team is currently refining judging procedures and communication with coaches to prepare for this broader scope.
Akpose expressed optimism about the future of the championship, stating, "If we can pull it off next year, why not?" She added that the event could become GYMFEST International, although the organisers are still in a learning phase. She also highlighted the lack of a dedicated training facility as a major challenge for grassroots gymnastics development, urging interested children to enrol in clubs early.
Lekan Fatodu, director-general of the Lagos State Sports Commission, supported the initiative by emphasising the state government's commitment to giving visibility to all sports. He said the commission is working with stakeholders to ensure that disciplines like gymnastics receive adequate attention. Omowumi Olalere, chairperson of the Lagos State Gymnastics Federation, noted that while the competition provides a useful platform, athletes require specialised coaching to advance to higher competitive levels.
Oluremi Jemitola, chief operating officer of SPAN, described the event as a success in building confidence among young athletes. She explained that the partnership between SPAN and Tee Tumblers aims to combine gymnastics with performing arts to support children's physical and creative development. The organisers hope to attract more institutional and private-sector support to sustain the event's growth in subsequent editions.