The much awaited Michael and Felicia Alabi Memorial Table Tennis Tournament begins today in Otan Ayegbaju, Osun State.
The Chairman of the Osun State Table Tennis Association, Ayo Alabi, has assured all participants and officials that the third edition of Michael and Felicia Memorial Table Tennis tournament which begins on Wednesday April 26 at Otan-Ayegbaju, Osun State will live up to expectation.
Speaking with newsmen in Osogbo on the level of preparations, Alabi said Osun State Table Tennis Association has concluded all arrangement to host over 400 table tennis players who are coming from 36 states and the FCT to participate in the events.
‘We have concluded all arrangement as regards transportation and accommodation of all athletes and officials who are coming for the event. Hotels have been booked while several buses have been provided to convey athletes and officials from their camps to the venue on daily basis.’
“We have also secured services of security agencies to ensure orderliness and provide adequate security for all visitors and guests. I want to assure you that the competition will be the best ever organized in the history of the state and the country,” said Mr Alabi
Also Speaking, Chainman, Local Organizing Committee Mr. Mustapha added that the expanded tournament would produce international stars in the world of table tennis
“With the commissioning of ultra-modern table tennis hall in Osogbo last year, we believe Osun is the home of table tennis and we want to uphold this legacy by ensuring that all table-tennis players are given opportunity to compete against one another where the best would emerge.
“I assure you that the association’s efforts aimed at raising the standard of the table tennis in Nigeria which gave birth to this huge project will be achieved.”
Mustapha noted that “it’s time to give tennis more attention, as our culture has given attention to other sports, and that schools should include tennis as a sport because it’s a great way to develop players and find future stars.”
