The first Anambra Governor’s Cup Tennis Championship has commenced in Awka, with 16 clubs participating in the competition.
The Deputy Governor of Anambra State, Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezim, officially declared the tournament open on Wednesday at the tennis courts of Anambra Country Club, Awka, the organisers of the competition.
Audi Company Limited and its partners are sponsoring the championship.
Ibezim commended the organisers and sponsors, describing the competition as an avenue for discovering sporting talents, promoting healthy living and demonstrating the effectiveness of public-private partnerships in driving development.
The President of Anambra Country Club, Awka, Damian Ejiamatu Enekwechi, expressed delight at the commencement of the tournament, particularly the number of participating clubs.
He said the organisers initially targeted 13 clubs but recorded an increase to 16 by the opening day.
According to him, the initiative was designed to develop sports in the state while encouraging wealthy indigenes and their friends to contribute to its socioeconomic growth.
The opening attracted sports enthusiasts from major cities across the state, including Awka, Onitsha, Nnewi and Ekwulobia.
The Chairman of the Anambra State chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Chimezie Anaso, also led members of the association to the event.
Anambra State tennis champion, Emeka Enewulu, praised the organisers and sponsors, noting that tennis, as a recreational sport, could help adults maintain healthy lifestyles.
The Managing Director of Audi Company Limited, Clems Ifezue, said the company’s sponsorship reflected its commitment to giving back to society.
He announced a prize of ₦1 million for the champion and ₦500,000 for the runner-up, while each of the remaining participating clubs would receive ₦100,000.