By Marvelous Ezenwa, Awka
Anambra Country Club has kicked off the maiden Anambra Governor’s Tennis Tournament at the Country Club, Solution Fun City, Awka, with 16 clubs from across the state participating in the competition sponsored by Audi Limited.
The Deputy Governor of Anambra State, Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezim, declared the tournament open on Wednesday, describing the event as a demonstration of the public-private partnership approach of Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration. He appreciated Audi Limited for sponsoring the competition and congratulated the participating clubs for being part of the historic maiden edition.
“I thank the sponsor for partnering with us. This is a clear demonstration of the public-private partnership of Mr Governor. On behalf of Governor Chukwuma Soludo, I declare this maiden edition of the Anambra Governor’s Tennis Tournament open,” Ibezim said.
Speaking at the event, the President of Anambra Country Club, Awka, Damian Enekwechi, described the tournament as the first of its kind in the state in terms of scale and rewards. He said the competition was designed to promote tennis, encourage healthy living and strengthen sporting activities across Anambra State.
Enekwechi explained that tennis was an effective form of exercise, particularly for older people, as it could help improve physical fitness and overall well-being. He assured participants and sports enthusiasts that the club would sustain the tournament, with subsequent editions expected to be bigger and better.
He also highlighted the recreational and sporting facilities available at Anambra Country Club, including table tennis and swimming, noting that the club was more than a place for eating and drinking but also a centre for sports, relaxation and healthy living.
“This is our first edition, and we are committed to sustaining it. Each edition will be better and bigger than the last,” Enekwechi said.
In his remarks, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Audi Limited, Dr Clems Ifezue, said the competition was organised to celebrate Anambra Country Club and attract national attention to the facility, which he described as magnificent. He expressed optimism that the tournament would grow in size and impact in subsequent editions.
The Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Patrick-Agha Mba, also attended the event and described the tournament as a welcome development for Anambra State. He noted that initiatives of this nature could help promote sports, encourage healthy competition and provide more opportunities for tennis players and clubs to showcase their talents.
Under the tournament’s prize structure, the overall winning club will receive ₦1 million, while the runner-up will take home ₦500,000. Other participating clubs will each receive ₦100,000 in recognition of their participation and efforts.
The maiden Anambra Governor’s Tennis Tournament is expected to strengthen the state’s sporting culture, promote physical fitness and deepen collaboration between government and private-sector organisations in the development of sports. With 16 clubs taking part, the competition marks a significant step towards expanding tennis and recreational sports in Anambra State.
