Ogun agog as Ijebu Igbo table tennis tourney holds December 29

Youths of Ijebu Igbo and other neighbouring communities in Ogun State will on December 29 converge on the Oru Town Hall Open Field for the maiden Dr. Adelaja Adeleke Adenuga Table Tennis Championship. The competition will end on December 30.

The grassroots initiative is being organised to promote peace, mutual understanding and cultural harmony among communities in the Ijebu North axis.

The challenge will begin with elimination games on the first day and climax the second day with finals to decide winners in all the categories.

Cash prizes, trophies, medals and other rewards will be given to winners, first runners up, second runners up and third runners up.

Speaking on the competition, Adenuga, whose foundation is sponsoring the event, said watching and playing sports are ways to escape the stress of daily lives.

‘‘Physical activity can help encourage social interaction, improve concentration and learning, increase personal confidence and self-awareness, reduce feelings of depression, anxiety, enhance self-esteem and improve quality of life’’.

“Table tennis is all about keeping eyes on the tiny light-weighted ball. Eye movements and peripheral vision improve along with one’s concentration. Playing table tennis is said to boost a person’s concentration power, hence, exercise is often recommended for the youth’’.

“Today, sport is an important component of socio-economic development of a country. Active participation in sports improves community health and productivity, reduces medical expenses, imbibes discipline in character, generates great leaders, and enhances social cohesion,’’ he said.

Dignitaries expected on the final day of the competition are Secretary to the Ogun State Government, Tokunbo Talabi, who will be the special guest of honour among government functionaries and royal fathers.

Igwe C./The Guardian