70 kids set for Offiong Edem mini-table tennis tournament

At least 70 teenage players from Southsouth and Southeast regions of Nigeria will participate in a mini table tennis tournament organized and facilitated by Offiong Edem Foundation.

The non-profit sports organization focuses on using table tennis to promote the overall development and well-being of youth.

They will be including children aged 7 to 17 from various states like Abia, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, Rivers and Cross River to participate in a competition with the opportunity to win prizes.

The fourth edition of the tournament is being funded by Nigeria’s renowned female Table Tennis player, Offiong Edem, through her Foundation dedicated to coaching and assisting up-and-coming table tennis players.

Sporting Tribune reports that the tournament will be organized by the five-time Olympian at U.J. Esuene Stadium in Calabar on July 5 and 6, 2024.

Edem revealed that the zonal representative on the board of Nigeria Table Tennis Federation Ama-Ebi Ebikpolade and other sporting dignitaries will grace the fourth edition of the tournament.

“It’s gonna be bigger than the last edition. Sharing with the children is my way of giving back to the society. It is believed that once a child gets to 15 years and above, there are distractions that’s why we segment them into two categories, Under 14 boys and girls, and under 17 boys and girls.

“From first to quarter final in male and female categories will have prize money and the rest of the kids will go home with some playing equipment.

She acknowledged the pivotal support of the Chairman of the Cross River State Table Tennis Association, Hon Orok Duke and urged the private sector to contribute towards sports development, specifically in Table Tennis, to improve the calibre of players in the nation.

Reflecting on her illustrious career and recent qualification for the Paris 2024 Olympics, Offiong Edem offered advice to young athletes, urging them to remain dedicated and focused on their goals.