Tennis youngsters willing to develop their skill, particularly towards professional career in the sport have been assured of the necessary support to achieve their dreams.
The Chairman of Imo State Tennis Association, Hon. George Eche Ezenna, who made the pledge during the final of the Standard Tennis Development Club U-13 Championship in Owerri, said interested young players in the state will be mentored with the necessary support.
The tennis legend said that re-categorisation of tennis from being a hobby to business was aimed at encouraging people who wish to make it a profession to benefit hugely from their talents, hard work and investment.
“Tennis is the only game played in Heaven. And that is why the playing kits are predominantly white,” he claimed. Tennis, he further said is beyond a game, it is a way of life. It is a game of discipline, were you play your game and you don’t necessary always need a chair umpire to determine who has made a point.
Continuing, he described tennis as gentlemen’s game. A game for perfect gentlemen, acknowledge their errors and their victories. It is also a game in which two players in a singles or four players in a double match show craft, skill, discipline and energy.”
According to him, he started playing tennis in the year 1996 under coaches James Anukam and Celestine Emereonyekwe. Some players including ‘Son of Thunder’, Nze S.C. Nze, Mr. Nsofor, Sergeant Slotter (Chocho), who played in Orlu, Eugene Anugom and others inspired him to a achieve modest height in the game.
“In the same vein, I have a responsibility to inspire the younger ones to grow in the game by providing them with the necessary equipment and other supports they need to develop their game.
He commended coach Chibigam for the great work he is doing in the state. He said: “Coach Gorge Chibigam should be appreciated for doing a good job in mentorship. Kudos goes to the coach who out of nothing had mentored and groomed those kids with results showing up through the skillful display of the players. I will provide them with balls, canvas shoes and necessary motivation as well as organize some competition for them regularly”.
The former President of Standard Development Club and ENIC Patron, also promised to do more by making sure the kids enjoy good lives playing tennis,” he assured.
