Bayelsa table tennis stars rewarded after triple-title triumph in Calabar

The Bayelsa State Table Tennis Association (BYSTTA) has honoured its athletes following their impressive performances at the Offiong Edem Foundation Table Tennis Tournament 0.6 in Calabar, Cross River State.

The players were recognised at a reception and awards ceremony held on Thursday at The Fortress, the association’s headquarters on Oxbow Lake Road, Yenagoa.

BYSTTA returned from the tournament, held from 13 to 15 August, with three championship titles.

Nine-year-old Uzuazomiro Joshua, popularly known as Uzazo, emerged champion in both the Under-11 and Under-13 boys’ singles categories, while Matthew Natus John, captain of BYSTTA, won the men’s singles title.

The tournament attracted more than 100 participants from across the South-South and South-East regions.

Beyond celebrating the titles, the ceremony highlighted BYSTTA’s approach to athlete development, which combines sporting excellence with education and personal development.

‘Playing career of an athlete is short’

BYSTTA Chairman Ama-ebi Ebikpolade Stow said the association was more concerned about the long-term welfare of its athletes than their success on the table alone.

“My belief is that the playing career of an athlete is short. What happens after that? That is what we are interested in.”

He added: “I tell them that the medals you win cannot be compared to a degree. Even though we need the medals, as a parent, I value their graduation more than the medals. Both must go hand-in-hand.”

The philosophy underpins the association’s “No Education, No Tennis” approach, which encourages athletes to pursue their education alongside their sporting careers.

Mr Stow disclosed that BYSTTA is currently sponsoring five athletes at Niger Delta University.