Tuesday June 9, 2026
www.thenewsdesk.ng
Players and officials of the Chapel of Grace Sports Club who beat 21 other clubs in the South South at a competition organized in Benin, Edo State have presented the trophy and medals to the state sports Commissioner Elder Paul Bassey.
Presenting the trophy on behalf of the club,the team president, Hon. Victor Udofia said the chapel representing Akwa Ibom state, competed with 22 other sister tennis teams in the South South region to come up tops, clinching the trophy and making the state proud.
The club’s president, however,used the medium to notify the sports ministry that the club also runs an academy where young ones are being trained in tennis,and appealed for government interest and support to take their initiative of tennis advancement far.
He was all praise for Sir Emem Akpabio , Patron and sole financier of the club.
“ He has been there for us, morally and financially. His passion for tennis is unbelievable “ The President said.
In his response, the Honourable Commissioner for Sports, congratulated the club for making the state proud.
“ We are enjoying and reaping the fruits of the intentionality of the Governor His Excellency Pastor Umo Eno in sports development in the state”” Last week we celebrated our athletes who have qualified to represent the country in next month’s Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh, Scotland “ he said
“ This government has done a lot for the youth through sports by providing quality sports equipment across all the sports, organization of the state sports festival and instituting a reward culture for those who win laurels for the state “
The Commissioner also poured encomiums on Sir Akpabio who he said he can vouch for when it comes to Sports passion and support.
Flanked by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mrs Rosemary Ubia, Elder Bassey, however, assured the club that with the approach of the government towards sports, there is a possibility of considering them for collaboration and logistical support plans of the ministry,going forward. He used the moment to make a brief account of the ministry’s score card in terms of strides with trophies in sports, maintaining that the Chapel of Grace Sports Club’s win is a plus to similar recent feats for the state.
On hand with the Commissioner was the Director of Sports, Mrs Brigid Otton ,the Director of Coaching, Catherine Ekuta, while at the frontline of the visiting team alongside the president were: Dr Polycap Ekpe- Secretary, Dr Odiko Macdon – Captain, and Mr Mmeyene Udofia – Director Chapel of Grace Sports Club.
