Abeokuta: The Rock Tennis Foundation on Sunday concluded its 7th annual tennis holiday clinic and youth tournament aimed at grassroots sports development and youth empowerment in Ogun. The event featured Under 12, Under 14, and Under 16 boys and girls finals and was held at the newly constructed tennis court at the MKO Abiola Sport Arena in Abeokuta.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, President of the foundation, Akinyemi Bammeke, emphasized that the initiative has consistently opened doors for young Nigerians in tennis. Bammeke highlighted that the foundation introduced between 50 to 100 kids to the basics of tennis while also conducting intensive drills for existing players. Despite challenges in preparation, the outcome exceeded expectations, particularly with the use of the new facility.
Bammeke noted, “We have introduced between 50 to 100 kids to the basics of tennis, while also running intensive drills for our existing players. For us, this programme is a festival of tennis every year. This is the first time we are hosting this clinic in the newly constructed tennis arena built by the Ogun State Government for the last National Sports Festival.” He further explained that the foundation’s vision extends beyond producing talented athletes, aiming to take kids off the street and groom them into champions in various aspects.
Highlighting the success of their efforts, Bammeke revealed that one of the foundation’s U-12 players recently represented Nigeria at an ITF tournament in Ghana. Acting Director of Sports, Ogun State Sports Council, Oluseyi Sonde, also spoke, describing the tournament as crucial to the state’s sports development agenda. “I cannot miss this competition because it is very key to us in Ogun state. Tennis has continued to bring laurels to the state,” he said.
Sunday Enitan, one of the organizers, expressed that the tournament was organized as a way of giving back to society. Enitan, who has also coached in the United States, added, “I recruit from Nigeria so I can help them secure scholarships abroad, where they can combine education with tennis. That is my goal.” News Agency of Nigeria reported that at the end of the tournament, outstanding young talents were rewarded across categories.