A modern table tennis complex has come on stream in Yenagoa.
The facility, which was put in place by the Chairman of the Bayelsa State Table Tennis Association, Ama-ebi Stow, is part of efforts to ensure the growth of the game in the area.
The Coastal Fortress Table Tennis Academy was inaugurated by Governor Douye Diri as the Association used the occasion to also present an Italian Coach, Luciano Esposito as the new handler for the ping pong players in the State.
High profile guests of the Bayelsa State government, lawmakers at the National and State House of Assembly and stakeholders in the sporting sub sector were present in Yenagoa as the ultra modern table tennis facility, the Coastal Fortress Table Tennis Academy was launched.
On the occasion, a visibly impressed Governor Douye Diri described the initiative of the Chairman of the Bayelsa State Table Tennis Association, Ama-ebi Ebikpolade Stow as an epoch making effort worth emulating.
Governor Diri said it was important for wealthy individuals and the organised private sector to complement the efforts of the government by investing in sports, especially the provision of sporting facilities to enable young people to positively channel their energy.
Director General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade represented by his Special Adviser, Ebidiowei Oweifie described the facility as historic and transformative , stating that the vision aligns with the policy of the Federal government to transform Sport from social activity into a viable economic sector.
Also, the Senator representing Bayelsa East Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Benson Agadaga who chaired the event, commended the vision bearer for the initiative, pledging support for the project while urging youths to make best use of the facility to actualize their potential.
Initiator of the Coastal Fortress Table Tennis Academy and Chairman of the Bayelsa State Table Tennis Association, Ama-ebi Ebikpolade Stow noted that the multi million Naira facility was part of his contribution to the growth and development of ping pong and sport in the State and the country as it would provide a platform for players to showcase their talent and become successful.
Earlier the Commissioner for Sport Development, Daniel Igali and Chairman of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly Committee on Sport, Tare Porri commended Mr. Stow for putting in place the edifice which complements government’s investments in sports.
The Fortress Facility has modern amenities such as hall for table tennis boards, offices, two restaurants, two lounges, changing rooms and conveniences for athletes while construction work is ongoing for a hotel to lodge players and technical officials.
High points of the event was the presentation of an expatriate Coach for the Bayelsa State Table Tennis Team Luciano Esposito who is an Italian and table tennis board, bats and other equipment to Governor Diri.
Source: Alambo Datonye, FRCN, Bayelsa
