The Nigeria Table Tennis Federation, NTTF has returned to Babcock University in Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State to formally present medals and trophies won by the National team players who camped at the institution for three weeks, ahead of Africa continental championships in Ghana and Gambia.
Led by the Secretary General of NTTF, Mr. Akanmu Olusoji, the delegation included national coach, Mr. Idowu Ayodele and four players — Rabiu Opeyemi, Fabunmi Mathew, Mathew Kuti and Atunusa Quadri were received on Tuesday by top officials of the university
The visit according to them, was to express appreciation to the management of Babcock University and say “thank you” for hosting the team.
President/Vice Chancellor, Professor Afolarin Olutunde Ojewole receiving them in his boardroom with other principal officers, says while Babcock is not primarily a sports institution, it nurtures talents and believes in training “the mind, the hands, and the heart.”
“For the first time in a long time, we provided a home for a few weeks for teenagers being prepared for championship. And they won. They won many medals", he stated with excitement
Such a performance according to him, is traceable to what God did in Babcock University.
" We just don't talk about raising champions. We raise champions in this place,” he said.
Professor Ojewole urged the players to combine sports with academics through Babcock University Distance E-Learning.
“Whether you're in Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire, Europe or Canada, you can go to school at your pace. It's not too expensive, it's very possible,” he said
The Vice-Chancellor cited African champion, Funke Oshonaike who earned a BSc in Nursing Science later in life, and NBA star Shaquille O’Neal who pursued degrees and a PhD after his sporting career.
Earlier, Mr. Olusoji, who stood in for the Federation President, Dr. Adesoji Tayo, thanked the Vice Chancellor whom he described as “an academia, a parent and a man of God.”
He echoed the call for education, noting that “sport has an expired age” and certificates will sustain athletes after retirement.
Coach Ayodele described the camping as “the greatest performance by all time” and credited Babcock’s environment, food and discipline.
“This institution is part of the success story,” he said.
At the African Championship in Ghana, Nigeria won 13 medals including 2 gold, 3 silver and 8 bronze.
At the African Cup two days later, the team won 4 medals which included 1 gold, 1 silver and 2 bronze.
Matthew Kuti dethroned the African Under-19 Champion from Tunisia at the African Cup event.
“I feel good and very happy that I won,” Kuti said. “Babcock is a very good environment. There is discipline, there is everything. I will try my best next year to defend it.”
The highlight was the formal presentation of medals and trophies to Professor Ojewole.
No comments:
Post a Comment