NaijaBlaseTv Sports: Offiong Edem Foundation’s 6th Table Tennis Talent Hunt Ends in Calabar

NaijablaseTv ( Ettah Emmanuel O.)

Offiong Edem Foundation Table Tennis Talent Hunt Programme

 has successfully ended in Calabar, with 

Matthew John of Smash Trade Table Tennis Academy, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State

The three-day grassroots table tennis competition, which attracted young talents from 

, was held at the Cross River State Table Tennis Indoor Sports Hall, U.J. Esuene Stadium, Calabar.

In the Senior Boys final, Matthew John delivered a commanding performance, defeating 

Bright Aniekan of Ultra Kings Table Tennis Academy, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, 4–0

The Senior Girls final also produced an exciting contest, with 

Vivian Ekpenyong Oku of Ultra Kings Table Tennis Club, Uyo, 4–1

Speaking during the closing ceremony, the Chairman of the Occasion, 

, commended former African champion and five-time Olympian 

 for using sport as a vehicle for youth development and positive engagement.

He called on other sports personalities, philanthropists and well-meaning Nigerians to emulate the initiative by investing in grassroots sporting programmes capable of discovering talents and providing young people with productive opportunities.

Ultrafit Table Tennis Academy, Uyo, Mr. Mfon Monday Ekpo

, also praised Offiong Edem for sustaining a competition that provides young athletes from the South-South and South-East regions with an avenue to showcase their abilities.

Mr. Ekpo described the organisation of the tournament as impressive and expressed his readiness to partner with the foundation in subsequent editions.

Speaking on the vision behind the tournament, 

, the sponsor and founder of the programme, said the initiative was created as a way of giving back to the sport that played a major role in her successful career.

According to her, the talent hunt is designed to identify, nurture and develop young table tennis players while providing them with the competitive exposure needed to pursue careers in the sport.

Offiong Edem further disclosed that the foundation is working towards transforming the competition into a 

, with plans to attract participants from all 

36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja

The competition featured several categories, including 

Senior Boys, Senior Girls, Under-15, Under-13 and Under-11

, with medals and cash prizes presented to outstanding athletes.

The successful conclusion of the sixth edition represents another milestone in the Offiong Edem Foundation's commitment to 

grassroots sports development, youth empowerment, talent discovery and positive community engagement

With participation expanding across regions and plans for national coverage underway, the Offiong Edem Table Tennis Talent Hunt Programme continues to provide a platform for young Nigerian athletes to develop their skills and pursue their sporting dreams.

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