IKPO IGBINOBA
Sponsor Mr. Tochukwu Okeke presenting the star prize to Adewale Alex
Impressed by the standard and discipline displayed by players, sponsor of the 1st Vice President Wheelchair Tennis Championship, Mr Tochukwu Okeke has pledged to boost the profile of the event from next year.
From next year, the championship which was restricted to invited players would be thrown open to players from all the states of the federation.
According to Mr. Okeke who was speaking at the closing ceremony of the championship at the National Stadium in Surulere
“From next year, I will expand the scope of this championship. I’ll go national with this sponsorship. This inaugural edition was experimental and I am really impressed by the standard displayed by the players and their level of discipline”.
Mr Okeke who is the Vice President of the Mainland Tennis Club, National Stadium, Surulere said further “Wheelchair tennis players should be encouraged in the game because they serve as inspiration and role model to many on the streets who are physically challenged.”
“What they are doing as tennis players would encourage a lot of physically challenged persons to take to sport instead of begging on the streets and this is good for society”.
Earlier in the day, in the final encounter of the three-day tournament, national champion, Alex Adewale fought a battle of his life against perennial rival Wasiu Yusufu in a three hour thriller.
Adewale eventually prevailed 6-2, 3-6, 6-4 to emerge the first champion of the tournament.
In the ladies event, current number one player Kafaya Omisore subdued upcoming and very ambitious player Oluwakemi Segun 6-4, 6-4.
In his remarks, the national team captain, Lateef Shodipo thanked the sponsor for providing an opportunity for wheelchair tennis players to exhibit their talents.
“On behalf of all the wheelchair tennis players in the country, I say a big thank you to the sponsor, Mr. Tochukwu Okeke. God will reward him for what he has done for our game.”
Mr. Shodipo appealed to Nigerians to emulate Mr. Okeke and support wheelchair tennis in the country. According to him “Nigerian players are the best on the continent and without mincing words can rule the world with enough support”.