Sixth edition of Prince Victor Uwakwe Lawn Tennis Tournament on Tuesday kicked off in Enugu with South-East and South-South states in participation.
The tournament which is presently taking place at the Enugu State Sports Club is featuring under 15 and 21 boys and girls categories and would end on August 12.
The tournament is organised by Enugu State Tennis Association in collaboration with the Enugu Sports Club Tennis Association and sponsored by Prince Victor Uwakwe
Speaking at the opening of the game, Uwakwe said that the purpose of the tournament was to harness the budding talents from the grassroots and for s greater exposure to the quality engagements.
Represented by his personal assistant, Lawrence Molokwu, Uwakwe said that the discipline and capability of the players will be tested, with discipline being the power to make the right decisions.
He said the tournament offers opportunity for the young players to build a rich regime of experience which will serve as a pedestal for greater attainment in future.
“It is my belief that focus and discipline achieved in sports rub off in other parts of your life. It gives you a more robust trajectory in the ladder of success.
“Winning the prize is wonderful but it is more important to understand the lessons learnt in the journey all the way.
“The tournament has been evolving over the years and this year, we are glad to have our sister states join us. We hope they have a memorable experience with us. We hope to always improve and enrich the quality of the tournament to a better and worthy experience,”he said
Uwakwe commended the organisers of the tournament. He thanked all for coming and wished a them a wonderful experience.
in his remark, the chairman of the Enugu Sports Club, Sir Victor Atuonwu welcomed everybody and retierated the club’s commitment to sports development in the state.
He noted that the Sports club , Enugu has sports facilites and urged people to use the advantage and promote sporting activities in the state.
The captain of the Sports Club John Ekeocha said that the tournament is for the youths between the ages of 15 and 21 and wished other people will take the programme to the next level.
Ekeocha advised the participants to take the event seriously and make life out of it as the programme has provided opportunity for them to take their talent to the next level.
Speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youths and Sports, Chuka Ezike expressed happiness for witnessing the event and knowing that some individuals were sponsoring such sports within the state.
He advised the organisers to continue the good work and called on the participants to take the game as their ambition in life to ensure that they play it at the highest level.
Ezike said that the Ministry of Youths and Sports were ready to partner with any philanthropist who wished to give back to the society through sports and to give the youths base for a good living.
Author: Maureen Ikpeama