Joe Blankson Foundation organises Swimming Competition in memory of Hero who died after rescuing 13 people
The Joe Blankson Foundation is organising a swimming competition in conjunction with the Nigeria Aquatic Federation on Saturday, July 31 at the Swimming Complex, National Stadium in Abuja.
The foundation was set up by his wife, Mercy Joe-Blankson, in memory of her late husband in 2019, a year after his death. Joe Blankson who has become a hero to a lot of Nigerians died after a boat accident in Rivers State.
Blankson had rescued 13 victims after the boat capsized and was on the verge of rescuing the 14th person when he drowned.
Mercy who is also the chairman of the foundation told Neusroom that it was established to encourage more Nigerians to learn to swim not only as leisure but as a survival skill.
“If the people on the boat with my husband could swim, he would not need to try to rescue everyone.
“Being able to swim is an important life skill that everyone needs. For example, marriage took me to a riverine area in Rivers state. For some, it might be a job or the National Youth Service Corps.
“The focus is especially on children as it is easier to learn to swim as a child than as an adult.”
Swimming lessons are expected to start in August as part of the efforts by the foundation to get more people to learn to swim.
