Bayelsa Table Tennis Players Honoured After Winning Three Titles in Calabar

The Bayelsa State Table Tennis Association (BYSTTA) has celebrated its players for their great performances at the Offiong Edem Foundation Table Tennis Tournament 0.6 in Calabar, Cross River State.

The athletes were recognised during a reception and awards ceremony on Thursday at The Fortress, which is the association's headquarters on Oxbow Lake Road in Yenagoa.

BYSTTA returned from the tournament, which took place from August 13 to 15, with three championship titles.

Nine-year-old Uzuazomiro Joshua, known as Uzazo, won championships in both the Under-11 and Under-13 boys’ singles categories. Matthew Natus John, the captain of BYSTTA, claimed the men’s singles title.

The tournament drew over 100 participants from the South-South and South-East regions.

Besides celebrating the victories, the ceremony focused on BYSTTA’s approach to developing athletes, which combines sports with education and personal growth.

BYSTTA Chairman Ama-ebi Ebikpolade Stow said the association cares more about the long-term future of its athletes than just their wins.

“My belief is that the playing career of an athlete is short. What happens after that? That is what we are interested in.”

He added, “I tell them that the medals you win cannot be compared to a degree. Even though we need the medals, as a parent, I value their graduation more than the medals. Both must go hand-in-hand.”

This philosophy supports BYSTTA’s “No Education, No Tennis” approach, which encourages athletes to focus on their education alongside their sports careers.

Mr Stow revealed that BYSTTA is currently sponsoring five athletes at Niger Delta University.

Among the beneficiaries are Hope Udoka, who finished her final exams this year, and Isaac Boye, a recent graduate of Benson Idahosa University. Nico Debekeme is currently serving in Edo State.

One highlight of the ceremony was the recognition of Uzazo, whose achievements in Calabar showed the potential of BYSTTA’s grassroots programme.

The nine-year-old received an academic scholarship and playing kits to support his education and growth as a table tennis player.

His family was present as he received the honour.

Matthew, who is in his final year studying Library and Information Science at Benson Idahosa University and is also a BYSTTA scholarship recipient, was honoured after winning the men’s singles title.

His journey from a developing athlete to university student, team captain, and senior champion was seen as a good example of what BYSTTA aims to achieve for its athletes.

The event also included an exhibition match between two of BYSTTA’s top cadet players, Dememakizibe and Uzazo.

Dememakizibe entered as the number-one-ranked cadet, while Uzazo was second.

Dememakizibe won the match 3-1, keeping his top position.

The Bayelsa State Government was represented by Pereyi Efeke, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Sports Development. He attended on behalf of the Commissioner for Sports Development, Daniel Igali.

Mr Efeke praised BYSTTA for its work with young athletes and called The Fortress an impressive facility.

He also shared plans for better collaboration with Niger Delta University, especially regarding sports scholarship opportunities.

He mentioned preparations for the 2028 National Sports Festival, which Bayelsa will host. This includes plans for a 30,000-capacity stadium at Igbogene, a 5,000-capacity facility at Sampou, and the renovation of the swimming pool at the Samson Siasia Sports Complex.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Simon-Peter Okene, represented Commissioner Gentle Emelah and talked about the importance of education for young athletes.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Jones Stow, congratulated the champions and praised BYSTTA for promoting discipline, healthy living, and productive engagement among youths.

The Director of Sports, Bibowei Harrison Lambert, urged the athletes to aim beyond state-level success and aspire to represent Nigeria internationally.

Mr Stow also highlighted the significance of The Fortress, which serves as a training and development centre for young table tennis players.

He said the facility is a long-term investment in the athletes and future generations.

“I am not a millionaire, but because of these children, if you offer N1.5 billion or N2 billion for this property, we will tell you it is not for sale.”

He thanked Governor Douye Diri for supporting Bayelsa athletes, especially for the assistance that helped them attend competitions.

He also acknowledged contributions from Mr Igali, Mr Emelah, Mr Lambert, and coaches, parents, and other key figures.

The reception gathered government officials, BYSTTA board members, athletes, coaches, parents, families, and sports stakeholders.