Foundation unveils 6th table tennis tournament in C’River

Calabar, Cross River State will host the 6th edition of the Offiong Edem Foundation's annual Table Tennis Tournament, an event that has expanded its format to include four categories and offers a total prize purse of N3 million. The foundation, led by five-time Olympian Offiong Edem, aims to unearth and nurture young table tennis talents who face barriers to accessing quality equipment and facilities.

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Initially I had three categories, but when I arrived and saw a lot of young people, like about seven to eight years, I decided to include Under 11 years. So right now it’s going to be 4 categories. We’re having Under 11, Under 13, Under 15, and Youth Open.

Edem, who is based in the United States and works as a coach, observed a significant turnout of young players, prompting her to add an Under-11 category to the existing three. The tournament will now feature competitions for Under-11, Under-13, Under-15, and a Youth Open category. As part of the event's preparations, Edem distributed rackets and other playing equipment to over 50 young athletes, adults, and coaches, recognizing the high cost of such gear.

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I gifted more than 50 persons kits. I also gave some adults and coaches. The equipment is expensive. This is a way of supporting young talents who lack access to quality equipment and facilities

"I am just trying to build more Offiong Edems, because I started from here. I knew how it was then to buy equipment. It was very expensive. So I just don’t want the game to end with me," Edem stated, emphasizing her personal connection to the challenges faced by aspiring players in Nigeria. She highlighted the noticeable improvement in players' skills compared to the previous year and appealed for government intervention to further support the sport.

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I am just trying to build more Offiong Edems, because I started from here. I knew how it was then to buy equipment. It was very expensive. So I just don’t want the game to end with me.

Edem also revealed plans to personally sponsor three outstanding players to national tournaments twice annually, providing them with crucial exposure. This year's edition sees a 15 percent increase in prize money, bringing the total to N3 million distributed across the four categories. The foundation's commitment underscores a dedication to fostering the next generation of Nigerian table tennis stars.

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If these young people can play in this kind of environment, and they are playing so well; if the government should try to push, do a little bit, I think they will go far. This is the only thing I do. This is how I’m sustaining them.