Preparations are in top gear for the seventh edition of the ValueJet Lagos World Para Table Tennis Open, scheduled to take place from July 9 to 11 at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Sports Hall, Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.
This year’s event will feature athletes from neighbouring West African nations, including Ghana, Togo, Benin Republic, and host country Nigeria.
Speaking at a press conference in Lagos on Tuesday, the President of the Paralympic Committee of Nigeria (PCN), Sunday Odebode, emphasized the tournament’s importance as a qualifying event for the inaugural West African Paralympic Games set for September.
In his remarks, the Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Lekan Fatodu, highlighted the significance of Lagos hosting the tournament, stating that the state continues to solidify its reputation as the table tennis hub of Africa.
Also present at the briefing, the Chief Operating Officer of ITTF Africa, Kweku Tandoh, commended ValueJet for its unwavering support of the tournament. He also praised the PCN president for his dedication to promoting para table tennis in Nigeria through the consistent organization of the annual event.
Among the standout athletes to watch is Paris 2024 Paralympic bronze medalist Isau Ogunkunle, who spoke passionately about the tournament’s impact on his career.
“This competition is the foundation of my journey,” Ogunkunle said. “It was through this platform that I was discovered, and it gave me the opportunity to pursue my dreams, dreams I’m still striving to fully achieve, even with the bronze medal from Paris. I hope to see new talents emerge at this year’s edition.”
The tournament promises to showcase inspiring stories and fierce competition, continuing its legacy as a vital platform for para table tennis development in Nigeria and the West African region.
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