Akwa Ibom governor, players, stakeholders call for more tourneys

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Emmanuel Udom could not hold back his joy as he reeled out the benefits of the maiden Chamberlain Squash Championship, which took place at the Squash Section of the Ikeja Club, Lagos from August 20 to 26.

The governor, who spoke through his media aid, Samuel Bassey at the weekend, described the competition as an important tool to develop squash in the country, saying that the Akwa Ibom State government would make more efforts to support and host the event in future.
 
“The state is known for the promotion of sports in Nigeria and we have the best stadium in the country. I will give my report to His Excellency on the game of squash. The organizers did a good job by taking the initiative to single-handedly sponsor the maiden edition. This is good for sports development in Nigeria,” he said. 

Also excited by the competition were the 89 registered players, who could not hide their joy for the experience they got in the international tournament.

Speaking on the event, Fatai Owoseni, the former Commissioner of Police, Lagos State said the tourney was inspiring and worthy of more support. 
 
Tom Ford, who was flown in from the United Kingdom by the promoters to participate in the event, was elated as he lifted his trophy after winning the men’s final game. 
 
“This was a fantastic event. I am excited to be in Nigeria. The tournament has been fantastic… I think the PSA can learn a lot from the organisers on how this event has been run. I look forward to helping them (organisers) make this event a PSA tournament,” he said.

To Yemisi Olatunji, the winner in the female category, the competition was worth al the efforts she put in to become champions.
 
“I worked so hard for this event and put in everything I had to win it – it was an amazing feeling. 
 
“I also want to appreciate the organizers for putting this tournament together, thank you for supporting the development of squash in Nigeria,” she said.