-by our correspondent.
The Federal Airports Authority (FAAN) Tennis Club concluded its 8th Junior Tennis Championship on the high with numerous rewards for skills and determination.
At the end of the finals of the competition held in Lagos, many of the young Tennis Players carted home Cash gifts and other items.
The Vice Chairman of FAAN Tennis Club, Kingsley Nwokoma, who was full of admiration for the young players commended them for their commitment and implored the government to support the club to achieve more successes.
“It is exciting to see these kids playing tennis again and we begin to see the progress. We know that the only way to get to the top of every sports is through junior cadres. There is no shortcut to success. We implore the government to help in developing these kids. FAAN Tennis Club is doing it all alone because of her love for the game. If we can get little of government’s participation and supports, I am sure we would have kids that will get to the finals of ATP,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of Lagos State Tennis Association, Tokunbo Agoro, has promised to continue supporting age-grade tournaments. He made this known while speaking with journalists at the venue of the FAAN Junior Tennis Championship in Ikeja, Lagos.
Agoro applauded the FAAN Tennis Club for organizing annual age grade tournaments for children under the ages of 12, 14 and 16 years.
In his words: “It is very good and encouraging, this falls into what Lagos state has been preaching. This type of tournament is very important. We are catching them young at this particular age to develop tennis among the kids.
“In Lagos State, we are trying to make sure that every kid must be in school to have a good chance of playing tennis. Also, we intend to create central tennis time table for the competitions so that one tourney will not clash with other. We shall continue to sport any competition that is bring out talents for Lawn Tennis in Lagos state,” Agoro explained.
The tournament Director and coach, Dele Badejo, explained the reasons behind the tourney: “We focus on children’s tournament so that we can catch them young and impart the skills of the game into the kids to become world champions tomorrow.
“As a coach, I have taken it upon myself to monitor the progress of these children and continue to encourage them at every given opportunity.” Badejo said,
The Coach also begged the government to provide sporting facilities in schools for the athletes to improve their skills.
scenes at the 8th edition of FAA Junior Tennis Championship in Ikeja, Lagos.
At the finals, Sofia Agbabiaka defeated Osahinrun Osas 6-3,7-1,6-8, Basit Ajao beat Gabriel Inyang 6-2,5-7,10-8 in Under ’16 girls and boys categories.
Other winners include; Ndidi Osaji (Under 12 girls), Toheeb Oseni (Under 12 boys), Osahirun Osas (Under 14 girls), Kehinde Lawal (Under 14 boys).
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