The Deputy Governor of Anambra State, Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezim, has officially opened the maiden edition of the Anambra Governor’s Tennis Championship, with 16 clubs across the state participating in the competition.
The tournament, sponsored by Audi Ltd., commenced on Wednesday at the Anambra Country Club, Solution Fun City, Awka.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Ibezim commended Audi Ltd. for sponsoring the championship and congratulated the participating clubs for being part of the historic sporting event.
He said the competition demonstrated the commitment of Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration to promoting public-private partnerships for the development of the state.
“I thank the sponsor for partnering with us. This is a clear demonstration of the public-private partnership initiative of Governor Chukwuma Soludo,” he said.
The deputy governor subsequently declared the maiden edition of the tournament open on behalf of the governor.
Organisers Promise Bigger and Better Competition
The President of Anambra Country Club, Awka, Mr Damian Enekwechi, described the championship as unprecedented in the state, particularly in terms of its scale and prize money.
Enekwechi highlighted the health benefits of tennis, noting that the sport was particularly beneficial to older people because of its contribution to physical fitness and general well-being.
He explained that the club was established not only for social gatherings but also to promote sports, recreation and healthy living.
According to him, the club provides facilities for various sporting activities, including table tennis and swimming.
He assured participants and sports enthusiasts that the championship would become a regular event, with each edition expected to improve on the previous one.
“It is not just a place for eating and drinking; it is also a hub for sports, recreation and healthy living,” he said.
He added that the club was committed to sustaining the competition and ensuring that subsequent editions would be bigger and better.
Also speaking, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Audi Ltd., Dr Clems Ifezue, said the competition was organised to celebrate the Anambra Country Club and draw national attention to its facilities.
Ifezue described the club as magnificent and expressed optimism that the tournament would attract greater recognition for the facility and promote tennis in Anambra State.
He disclosed that approximately N3 million had been set aside as prize money for the participating clubs.
According to him, the winning club would receive N1 million, while the runner-up would take home N500,000.
The Audi Ltd. chief executive expressed confidence that the championship would grow in size, popularity and competitiveness in subsequent editions.
The maiden tournament is expected to provide an opportunity for participating clubs to showcase their tennis skills while encouraging sporting excellence, physical fitness and healthy competition across Anambra State.
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