The finals which was initially scheduled to take place on Friday, but was shifted to Saturday, because of heavy downpour in Nnewi, was the climax of the second edition of Ichie Chukwuma Uche Ya’s monthly lawn tennis exhibition match.
The competition which held at the Main Bowl of Beverly Hills Recreation, Club, Nnewi, was sponsored by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of KM Oil and Gas, Chief Kenneth Maduakor.
The exhibition match which started on Wednesday, 26th August, 2020, witnessed the participation of many National and International players.
Presenting the winners with their different prizes, the President of Beverly Recreation Club, Chief George Adinnu, congratulated the winners, noting that the competition was not only meant to entertain the public, but was also designed to improve the talents of the players and also help members of the club learn some new techniques.
While appreciating the sponsor, Chief Adinnu said that Chief Kenneth Maduakor commitment towards the development of lawn tennis is worthy of emulation, noting that his support has helped in the development of the club.
Calling on the support of the government, he said that it is time government begin to look at sport as a means of youth and economic development, he urged the government to partner with clubs in other to identify and develop young talents in lawn tennis for the development of the sport and the good of society.
Speaking also, the Secretary-General of the Club, Mr. Joseph Osajiuba, said that the idea behind the competition was to improve and boost the morale of lawn tennis players in the club and also to support the players.
Revealing that the competition will become a monthly event, he expressed gratitude to the sponsor of the competition, noting that more sponsorship is needed for the development of the sport.
On his own part, one of the participants, who is a professional lawn tennis player, Osakwe George, said that the sponsorship of lawn tennis competition helps in improving the skills and fitness of players.
On the challenges facing the sport in Nigeria, Osakwe bemoaned on the lack of facilities and sponsorships, saying that without the sponsorship of more competition, the skills of players will not be improved.
The competition was won by Ikechukwu Iloputa (Nigeria No. 20), while Uche Oparaoji (Nigeria No. 4) and Michael Chima (Nigeria No. 14) came second and third respectively.
Post Disclaimer
The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author and forum participants on this website do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of Anaedo Online or official policies of the Anaedo Online.