BENIN – No fewer than 100 school children are participating in a grass-roots table tennis development clinic at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the table tennis clinic is being organised by the Investment One Financial Services Ltd (IOFSL), a private investment company, in collaboration with the Edo Sports Ministry.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Mr Abayomi Alabi, IOFSL, Head of Corporate Services, said the sponsorship of the Grassroots Youth Table Tennis Clinic in the state was part of its Corporate Social Responsibility.
He said it was aimed at promoting the development of young aspiring sports talents at the grassroots.
“We are committed to giving back to society; we believe sports excellence can only be developed from the foundation and as forward thinkers, we like to invest in the future.
“We intend to replicate this grassroots table tennis project across the length and breadth of Nigeria,’’ he said.
Also speaking at the event, Mrs Aderayo Bankole, IOFSL Head of Communications, said the financial institution was looking forward to partnering with government at all levels to develop the youth through sports. [eap_ad_1] She said the initiative would go a long way to instilling discipline in youths, to channel their energies into productive activities.
Bankole said that the table tennis clinic would end on Aug. 22.
She said the program was targeted at both male and female students between the ages of nine and 13, who had shown interest in table tennis in the state
Meanwhile, the Edo Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Christopher Okaeben, commended the financial institution for promoting table tennis development in the state.
“I am happy with this development since most of the organisations in Nigeria like to sponsor football.
“This is a welcome development and should be cheered.
“Talents abound in all sporting activities and should be encouraged to develop.
“I use this opportunity to call on other well-meaning organisations to emulate this initiative by IOFSL to harness talents in other sports in the country.
“The state governor is a lover of sports and is passionate about grass-roots sports development,’’ he said.
One of the participants, Joan Okoh, who spoke on behalf of the participating pupils and students, commended the organisers, and promised that they would put in their best.(NAN)
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