Fresh from winning the South-South Regional Tennis
Championship in Benin City, Chapel of Grace Sports Club has formally presented
its trophy and medals to the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Sports, Elder
Paul Bassey.
The Ukana-based club, which represented Akwa Ibom
State at the competition, emerged champions after outperforming 21 other tennis
clubs from across the South-South geopolitical zone.
The trophy presentation ceremony served not only as a
celebration of the club's achievement but also as an opportunity to highlight
its commitment to grassroots sports development and youth empowerment through
tennis.
Speaking during the presentation, the club's
President, Victor Udofia, said Chapel of Grace Sports Club operates a tennis
academy focused on identifying, training, and developing young talents within
the state.
Udofia appealed to the Akwa Ibom State Government for
increased support to help expand the academy's activities and strengthen its
contribution to sports development at the grassroots level.
He also commended the club's patron and sole
financier, Sir Emem Akpabio, for his unwavering support, describing his
commitment to the growth of tennis as exceptional.
According to Udofia, Sir Akpabio has consistently
provided both financial and moral support, playing a key role in the club's
rise to prominence in regional competitions.
In his response, Sports Commissioner Paul Bassey
congratulated the team for bringing pride to Akwa Ibom State and further
enhancing the state's reputation as a hub for sports excellence.
Bassey attributed the growing success of athletes and
sports organizations in the state to the deliberate investments and policies of
Governor Umo Eno's administration.
He noted that the government has continued to
prioritize youth development through sports by providing modern sporting
equipment, organizing state-wide competitions, and rewarding athletes who
achieve success in national and international events.
The commissioner also highlighted the recent
qualification of Akwa Ibom athletes to represent Nigeria at the upcoming
Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh, Scotland, describing it as evidence of the
state's rising profile in sports.
He praised Sir Emem Akpabio for his dedication to
sports development and acknowledged the positive impact of his support on
tennis and youth engagement initiatives.
Assuring the club of government recognition, Bassey
stated that the administration remains open to collaborating with organizations
that contribute meaningfully to grassroots sports development and talent
discovery.
He emphasized that Chapel of Grace Sports Club's
success aligns with the state's broader vision of nurturing future champions
through community-based sporting programmes.
The event was attended by key officials of the
Ministry of Sports, including Permanent Secretary Rosemary Ubia, Director of
Sports Brigid Otton, and Director of Coaching Catherine Ekuta.
Members of the club's delegation included Secretary
Dr. Polycap Ekpe, Team Captain Dr. Odiko Macdon, and Director Mmeyene Udofia.
For Chapel of Grace Sports Club, the regional title
represents more than just a trophy. It stands as a testament to years of
dedication to grassroots tennis development and reinforces the belief that
local sports initiatives can play a crucial role in producing future champions
for both the state and the nation.
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