Be focused  and discipline, Ekiti SWAN tells ping pong players

Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN Chairman in Ekiti State,

Mr. Deji Ogunsakin, has encouraged the  table tennis players  to be

focused   and discipline  so that they can achieve their “ping pong”

ambition in life.

Ogunsakin, made the remarks during a working visit by SWAN members in

Ekiti to the training ground at   SUBEB office in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti

State capital yesterday, as part of activities marking the 53 years

anniversary of SWAN in Nigeria.

The SWAN chairman, pointed out that the visit is to motivate the

players and their coach to action and to thank them for putting Ekiti

State on the world map, commending them and all the players who have

represented the state as  world champions.

He said: “take your education very serious, be studious and be

discipline”, the body later presented a gift of “ping pong” balls to

the players as a token of  love from SWAN members  to them.

Speaking on the state of the “Ping Pong” in Ekiti State,

National/International Coach, Coach Olubode Ajayi, solicited for

facilities and equipment for the players in the state  such as a hall,

table tennis board, bats and balls among others.

According to him,  Ekiti who has eight international players has no

good hall for training, urging philanthropist to come to their aid.

Coach Ajayi,  who is the first and only coach in Nigeria to lead World

ITTF cadet challenge  called on the State and Federal  Government to

give moral support to the players, saying most of the international

competition they have to attend are self sponsored, saying sports is

an avenue for development.

He called on government at the  Federal level not to focus solely on

football but other sports in the country for even development.

Among the “Ping Pong” players  who took time to play with SWAN members

included  Abayomi Animashaun, who is No. 2 in the World and No. 1 in

Africa  Under 13 Category, to make ITTF hopes team in 2015 World cadet

championship.

Others are Oyewole Tosin, Akinwande Ojo, Sunday Odunola, Bukola Ajayi,

Apata Amos, Dada Taiwo.