More than 250 table tennis players from 17 states of the federation have arrived in Osun State to vie for honours at the second Michael and Felicia Memorial Table Tennis Festival.
The five-day tournament which is taking place at Otan Ayegbaju is sponsored by the Chairman, Osun State Table Tennis Association, Ayo Alabi.
In his remarks at the opening ceremony, Osun State Governor, Adegboyega Oyetola, who was represented by his Senior Special Assistant on Sports Development, Vincent Akinbami, commended the sponsor of the tournament and called on privileged Nigerians to partner government to further develop sports.
Speaking on the mission behind the tournament, Alabi said it was meant to keep alive the legacies of his parents, create an avenue for interaction among the youths and give a platform for the players to display their talents according to Punch.
He said, “Government cannot handle sports alone, that is why we as individuals are opening the eyes of the government to see clearly what an individual can do, so that they can partner with them to raise the profile of table tennis in Osun. We brought in 17 states, and about 250 athletes are participating.”
Giving a breakdown of prizes at the tournament, the secretary of the Osun State Table Tennis Association, Tope Mustafa, said about N2.5m and trophies would be won in various categories.
