At least 42 teenage players from the south-south states of Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River and Rivers States are to feature in a three-day table tennis championship at the UJ Esuene Stadium in Calabar.
The tournament is slated to hold from 1st to 3rd June 2023 at the Table Tennis Club hall of the famous stadium.
The tournament which is in its third edition is organised and sponsored by the Offiong Edem Foundation which trains and supports budding table tennis players.
At a press briefing heralding the tournament, the Cross River State born Olympian, Offiong Edem, now playing in Spain, disclosed that the tournament is for children under the ages of 7 and 16.
She said she will use the third edition of the tournament to donate table tennis bats, 70 pairs of tennis shoes each to the participants as a way of encouraging them.
“I have already spent several millions of Naira to purchase the table tennis bats, 70 pairs of canvases and other equipment to donate to outstanding kids at the 3rd edition of the tournament.
“There will also be prize money for champions in different categories. 16 females and 26 males have been invited.
“There are several young and enthusiastic table tennis players in the surrounding states who don’t have sponsors or training equipment. These budding stars need our mentorship and support,” she said.
The six-times African champion and Nigeria’s number, also disclosed that after the tournament she will intensify her training for the upcoming All Africa Table Tennis championship later in the year.
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