The 6th Lagos Valuejet Para Table Tennis Open is poised to take place on November 7 at the Teslim Balogun Stadium’s Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall in Lagos, welcoming participants from various countries, including the UK, Iran, Iraq, Cameroon, Benin Republic, Togo, Côte d’Ivoire, Uganda, and the host nation, Nigeria. This prestigious event serves as a platform for athletes to showcase their skills in para table tennis while fostering international competition. The tournament reflects the growing enthusiasm for para sports in Nigeria and across the globe, gathering a diverse range of players and fans.
At a press conference dated November 6, Sunday Odebode, the President of the Paralympic Committee of Nigeria (PCN) and tournament initiator, expressed his excitement regarding the impressive turnout this year. He highlighted the growth in participant numbers, which includes players from Europe, Asia, and Africa. Odebode emphasized the tournament’s trajectory towards becoming a global event, noting that the registration this year had exceeded expectations. His optimism reflects a broader trend within Nigerian para sports, as events like this help to elevate the profile of athletes and foster local and international interest in the sport.
The increasing prominence of Nigeria in the realm of para table tennis was further affirmed by Pablo Perez, the ITTF Para Manager, who praised the country’s development and competitiveness in international arenas. He noted that Nigerian players’ performances have significantly influenced the ITTF’s decision to endorse this tournament as a sanctioned event in Africa. Perez highlighted Isau Ogunkunle’s recent accomplishments, particularly being the only African medallist at the upcoming Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, as evidence of Nigeria’s dedication and effort in advancing para sports. His commendation of Odebode and his team’s hard work illustrates the collaborative spirit needed to support athletes and grow the sport.
As the tournament approaches, preparations are in full swing, with over 30 players having received certifications from classifiers, allowing them to embark on their professional journeys. Tournament referee Asko Rasinen confirmed this development, underscoring the importance of proper classification for athletes in para sports. Ensuring that players are accurately classified is critical not only for fair competition but also for the athletes’ career development within the sport. This step signifies the ongoing commitment to elevating the standards and infrastructure surrounding para table tennis in Nigeria.
Uchechi Achomadu, the Marketing and Communication Manager for Valuejet, also underscored the airline’s dedication to supporting the tournament. She articulated how the company views its involvement as a part of its broader commitment to community engagement. With enthusiasm, Achomadu encouraged the athletes to give their best performances, emphasizing the importance of sportsmanship and the rich narrative of determination and resilience that accompanies para athletes. Valuejet’s partnership plays a significant role in promoting the event and fostering an environment where athletes feel appreciated and motivated to excel.
Lastly, the tournament will see participation from notable athletes such as Paris 2024 Paralympic Games bronze medallist Isau Ogunkunle. Describing his experience in Paris as transformative, Ogunkunle is motivated to defend his title in the Men’s Class 5 category during this tournament. His enthusiasm parallels the greater excitement surrounding the event, as athletes aim for personal bests and podium finishes. Overall, the 6th Lagos Valuejet Para Table Tennis Open symbolizes not just a sports competition but a celebration of resilience, international camaraderie, and the evolving landscape of para sports in Nigeria and beyond. The anticipation for this year’s event is high, and it promises to deliver thrilling matches and inspiring stories from all participating athletes.
