Ben Ezechime, Enugu
The sixth edition of Prince Victor Uwakwe Lawn Tennis Tournament has begun in Enugu for players from the South-East and South-South states.
The tournament which takes place at the Enugu State Sports Club will feature under 15 and 21 boys and girls categories and will end on August 12.
The tournament is sponsored by Prince Victor Uwakwe and organised by Enugu State Tennis Association in collaboration with the Enugu Sports Club Tennis Association.
In his speech, the sponsor, Mr Uwakwe, said that the purpose of the tournament was to harness the budding talents from the grassroots and bring greater exposure to the quality engagements.
Uwakwe, who was represented by Mr Lawrence Molokwu said that the discipline and capability of the players would be tested and with discipline comes the power to make the right decisions.
Uwakwe said the tournament offers opportunity for the young players to build a rich experience which will serve as a pedestal for greater attainment in the 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 understanding 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 want to engage and build with them as we are brothers and sisters.
“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.
The sponsor appreciated the good works of the team that put the tournament together and thanked all for coming, Wishing them a wonderful experience.
in his remark, the chairman of Enugu Sports Club, Sir Victor Atuonwu, welcomed everybody and reiterated the club’s commitment to sports development in the state.
The captain of the Sports Club, John Ekeocha said that the tournament was for the youths between the ages of 15 and 21 and wished that there were people to take the programme to the next level.
He advised the participants to take the event seriously and make life out of it as the programme had provided opportunity for them to take their talents to the next level.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youths and Sports, Mr Chuka Ezike, expressed happiness for witnessing such function and to know that some individuals are 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 are ready to partner with any philanthropist who wished to give back to the society through sport and to give the youths base for a good living.
