As part of its commitment to promoting Lawn tennis game development in Nigeria. Tennis section of the prestigious Ikoyi Club is set to host the maiden edition of secondary school lawn tennis competition in partnership with Seven-Up bottling company in Lagos.
The championship, which will be open to boys and girls of senior and junior categories of various secondary schools between the ages of 10-15years, will run from December 10-15th, 2018 at the club’s court in Ikoyi. Interested schools are expected to register their players and officials on the organiser’s website.
Winner will go away with cash prizes while there will also be a lot of consolation gifts to be won as well as other on-ground activities like music, dance alongside tennis clinic.
Speaking at a press briefing, Chairman Tennis Section, Ikoyi Club, Mr. Abimbola Okubena disclosed that, the idea is borne out of the club’s drive to encourage tennis as a healthy sport among teenagers in Nigeria. Building an emotional connection with the students and by extension to their parent and schools.
He added that, it will Influence positive attitude and drive a clear understanding of how the game is played. It is also to inspire young boys and girls to aspire to play the game at an advanced stage which will surely up the development of the game in Nigeria.
Okubena said that there will be follow up after the competition on students that are interested in playing the game with various sessions with professional players that will tutor the younger players.
In his comment, Seven-Up Bottling Company, Senior Brands Manager, Mr. Segun Ogunleye stated that, SBC is keen at growing the greener feature of the country especially for youth. The tennis competitions offers that opportunity to showcase the idea. The competition will not only enhance development but further show the abundant talents in Nigeria.
Seven-Up bottling company will be on the ground to refresh players, officials and spectators at the 6 day tournament which winners will go home with medals, cash prices, gift vouchers and certificates.
Total of 20 students from 15 secondary schools cut across all the local government and local council development Areas in Lagos State, and 20 professional coaches are expected to participate at the maiden edition.
Four (4) gold medalist will be going home with a gift worth N50,000 each, while the four (4) silver and eight (8) bronze medalist will each be going home with a gift worth N35,000 and N15,000 respectively.
The Ikoyi Club was established as an European club in 1938 in Ikoyi, Lagos. It occupies approximately 456 acres of land. In the subsequent years, the club merged with the Lagos Golf Club. Besides the golf course, the Club also has many sports and relaxation amenities for members and their families.
