A Table Tennis clinic for Edo

The week-long grassroots Table Tennis Development Clinic organised by Investment One Limited in collaboration with the Edo State Ministry of Sports for primary and secondary school pupils and students of ages 9-15 came to an end in August, 2014.

The event which took place at the Sam Ogbemudia Stadium, saw Blessing Omoyibo and Marvellous Uyi, two of the participants, who are both 15 years old engaged in a friendly duel during the games and exhibition session. The beautiful display which ended 21-19 in favour of Uyi got a resounding applause from the audience.

Uyi said that the event was quite exciting and inspiring. He thanked the organisers of the event for providing such a platform for him to do what he loves doing best and also encouraged others like him who has passion to play professional table tennis not to give up on their goal.

Chris Okaeben, the commissioner for youth, sports and social mobilisation, Edo State, said he is happy with this development since most of the organisations in Nigeria like to sponsor football.

According to him, “This is a welcome development and should be cheered. Talents abound in all sporting activities and should be encouraged to develop. I use this opportunity to call on other well-meaning organisations to emulate this initiative by Investment One to harness talents in other sports in the country.”

Nicholas Nyamali, managing director, Investment One Financial Services Limited, said the company is committed to giving back to society.  “We believe sport excellence can only be developed from the foundation and as forward thinkers we like to invest in the future,” he said, adding: “We intend to replicate this grassroots table tennis project across the length and breadth of Nigeria.”

The table tennis clinic will be conducted by seasoned table tennis professionals and coaches who have represented Nigeria at international competitions. This grassroots sport development project is in partnership with the Edo State Government through the Edo States Ministry of Sports.

Also speaking at the event, Aderayo Bankole, head of communications, Investment One Financial Services, said Investment One is looking forward to partner government at all levels especially at the grassroots to develop the youth through sports. She said the initiative will go a long way to discipline the youth to put their energies in productive activities going forward.