The stage is set for the 2024 ValueJet Lagos World Para Table Tennis Open, a prestigious international tournament scheduled to take place from July 9th to 11th at the Molade Okoya Sports Hall within the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos. This seventh edition of the competition promises thrilling displays of skill and sportsmanship as athletes from neighboring West African countries, including Ghana, Togo, Benin Republic, and host nation Nigeria, converge to compete. The tournament carries added significance this year, serving as a qualifying event for the inaugural West African Paralympic Games slated for September, further elevating the stakes and intensity of the competition.
The upcoming ValueJet Lagos World Para Table Tennis Open not only showcases the athletic prowess of para table tennis players but also underscores the growing prominence of Lagos as a sporting hub within Africa. The tournament has garnered significant attention and support from key stakeholders in the sporting world. Sunday Odebode, President of the Paralympic Committee of Nigeria (PCN), highlighted the tournament’s crucial role as a qualifying pathway for the upcoming West African Paralympic Games, emphasizing its importance in developing para sports within the region. Lekan Fatodu, Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing Lagos’s dedication to hosting world-class sporting events and solidifying its position as a premier destination for table tennis in Africa.
The consistent staging of the ValueJet Lagos World Para Table Tennis Open demonstrates a dedicated commitment to fostering the growth and development of para table tennis in Nigeria and the wider West African region. Kweku Tandoh, Chief Operating Officer of ITTF Africa, commended ValueJet for their unwavering support of the tournament, highlighting their significant contribution to advancing the sport. He also praised the PCN president, Sunday Odebode, for his tireless efforts in raising the profile of para table tennis in Nigeria, demonstrating a collaborative approach to strengthening the sport’s foundation and expanding its reach.
Among the notable athletes set to compete in the tournament is Isau Ogunkunle, a Paris 2024 Paralympic bronze medalist. Ogunkunle credits the ValueJet Lagos World Para Table Tennis Open as a pivotal stepping stone in his career, highlighting its role in propelling him into the international spotlight. He views the tournament as a crucial platform for emerging talent, hoping that this year’s edition will uncover more promising players and provide them with the opportunity to showcase their abilities on a larger stage. Ogunkunle’s success story serves as an inspiring example of the transformative power of this competition, showcasing its potential to nurture and elevate para table tennis athletes.
The ValueJet Lagos World Para Table Tennis Open represents more than just a sporting event; it symbolizes a commitment to inclusivity, empowerment, and the promotion of para sports. By bringing together athletes from across West Africa, the tournament fosters a sense of community and shared purpose, fostering camaraderie among participants while showcasing the remarkable abilities of para athletes. The tournament serves as a powerful platform for raising awareness about para sports, challenging perceptions, and promoting greater understanding and acceptance.
As the countdown to the tournament begins, anticipation and excitement build, promising a spectacular display of athleticism, determination, and the indomitable spirit of para table tennis. The ValueJet Lagos World Para Table Tennis Open stands as a testament to the transformative power of sports, showcasing the potential of individuals with disabilities to achieve greatness and inspire others. The tournament’s legacy extends beyond the competition itself, contributing to the broader movement towards inclusivity and equality within the sporting world and beyond.
