2023 Ondo State Summer Tennis Clinic Concludes With Remarkable Success
The First Lady of Ondo State, Chief Mrs Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, has expressed her elation at the success of the 2023 Ondo State Summer Tennis Clinic.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the 6th edition of the Tennis Clinic, on the 10th of September, 2023 the First Lady, represented by the SSA on Gender, Research, and Documentation, Mrs. Tope Daniyan, said, “Today, as we gather here for the closing ceremony of the 6th edition of the Ondo State Summer Tennis Clinic, I am filled with immense pride and joy. This event has provided a platform for children between the ages of 4 and 14 to embark on a journey of sports discovery and development. It is during these early years that we have the opportunity to ignite the flame of passion for tennis in our youth.”
Hosted at the renowned Akure Recreational Club, Oke-Eda, the event showcased the immense talent and potential of young athletes. The 2023 clinic attracted a total of 320 children, aged between 4 and 14, who eagerly took part in the program, divided into junior and senior categories.
The primary goal of the clinic was to identify and nurture promising tennis talents while imparting essential life skills to them.
Further in her address, the First Lady highlighted the importance of introducing sports, specifically tennis, to young children. Drawing inspiration from legendary tennis players such as Serena and Venus Williams, Roger Federer, Billie Jean King, and Coco Gauff the 19-year-old new US OPEN tennis champion, she emphasized the transformative power of early sports education.
Expressing her deep gratitude, Chief Anyanwu-Akeredolu acknowledged the invaluable contributions of the coaches, trainers, and management committee members who dedicated their time and expertise to guide the young athletes. The First Lady also recognized the unwavering support of the event’s sponsors, whose generosity played a crucial role in its success.
Appreciation was also extended to the parents and guardians in attendance. Chief Anyanwu-Akeredolu encouraged them to continue supporting and fostering an environment where their children’s talents can flourish, both in sports and in all areas of life.
Hon. Olamide Falana, the Chairman of the 2023 Management Committee, expressed her appreciation for the event’s growth over the years, noting that with more than 3,000 graduates since its inception, the clinic has proven to be a significant platform for talent development and empowerment.
Barrister Olumuyiwa Adu, the chairman of the occasion, showered accolades on the program for its unique focus on capacity building at a young age. He emphasized the vast potential and economic benefits of sports, not only for individuals but also for their families and society as a whole.
In a goodwill message delivered by the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Otunba Dele Ologun, the young participants were urged to maintain consistent practice and to nurture the skills they had acquired during the clinic. Ologun emphasized the significance of honing talents from an early age, highlighting the correlation between dedication and future success in sports and beyond.
The highlight of the event was the exhibition tennis matches between professionals and dignitaries. The 2023 participants also showcased their newly acquired tennis skills.
The closing ceremony culminated with the presentation of certificates to the participants, marking the successful completion of the 6th edition of the Ondo State Summer Tennis Clinic.
Chief Falana emphasized the importance of parents’ continued support in nurturing their children’s newly acquired skills by providing them with tennis kits and ongoing tennis training. She stressed the need to maintain focus and discipline in order to succeed in the sport.
Story by Oluwatobi Omosalewa Fademi
