By; AYO OJEDOKUN, Lagos
Over 20 badminton players featured in the maiden edition of the M. I. Okoro Associates American Badminton Tournament held at Badminton Section of Ikoyi Club over the weekend.
The competition was part of efforts to develop the sport and give more playing time to members of the section.
Sponsor of the event, Meckson Okoro said his love for badminton motivated him to sponsor the championship even as he urged other corporate bodies to support government to develop sports in the country.
“Sponsoring this championship is part of our corporate social responsibility, aside that it’s also aimed to assist in the development and growth of badminton in Nigeria.
“It’s important I appeal to both the government and private sector to fund the sport so as to produce more professional players who will stand the test of time and represent the country well at international competitions”, he said.
Chairman Badminton asection Ikoyi Club, Thomas Adeoye says the club has been working with the Badminton Federation of Nigeria in raising worthy ambassadors for the country.
“We are not relenting on our efforts to grow the game in the country and that’s why we’re partners in progress with the federation in different areas in order to build a vibrant sport ‘ he said.
The participants were full of praises for the sponsor while calling for more of such tournament.
Winners got medals, trophies and gifts for their efforts.
