1st Willie Obiano Tennis tourney serves off

The maiden edition of Governor Willie Obiano Tennis Tournament has served off in Anambra State. The opening ceremony of the sporting event took place at Onitsha Sports Club, Onitsha.

The tournament which will see 12 Sports Clubs across the state participate, with a designated prize money of N1.5m for the first position, while the first and second runners-up will get N1m and N750,000 respectively.

In his address at the opening ceremony, Governor Obiano said his administration remains committed to the development of sports as a way of improving the health of the citizenry.

The Governor who also during the event donated a 33-seater bus to the Onitsha Sports Club, announced that next year, the State Football Club will be floated to produce talents that will represent the State in future competitions, adding that schools across the state are being supported to develop the talents at their disposal.

Gov. Obiano while calling on the players to imbibe the spirit of fair play, urged the referees not to be biased to ensure that the best team wins.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Youths Entrepreneurship and Sports Development, Mr. Linus Nwankwo said the tournament is part of the integrated programme of the Obiano administration for the development of sports in the state.

The President, Onitsha Sports Club, Chief Tobechi Ejezie who noted that a healthy body is a healthy mind, said the tournament will help them keep fit and avoid sicknesses associated with accumulated cholesterol in the body.

For his part, the National Coordinator, Stakeholders for Willie Obiano Second Term Bid, Chief Ekene Enefe thanked Governor Obiano for his support towards the event, stating that with his efforts, Anambra State will once again reclaim its prime position in the nation’s sports sector.

Nosa Akenzua, Asaba