Mrs.Mobolaji Adams, proprietor of Queensfield School (middle) flanked by players and officials during the visit
Iye Onoja (on uniform), with some tennis players Photos by Kayode Savage
As part of its efforts to promote tennis development in the country, the International Tennis Academy, ITA, has promised to donate two mini-nets to Queensfield School in Kaduna. This much was disclosed by Godwin Kienka, Director of the Academy, when he, along Kienka, whose ITA is organising an NNPC- sponsored Junior Circuit in Kaduna, stated that it is the desire of the Academy to see young minds catch the dream of playing tennis at a tender age, which will in turn ensure the rapid growth of such children. He noted also that, “we hope that by the next time we come around, we shall be able to point at several other national champions just like our beautiful Iye Onoja, whom I am sure the school is proud of today”. In her response, Mrs. Mobolaji Adams, Proprietor of the primary school, expressed profound appreciation to the Kienka-led team for the visit and for the donations which were anticipated. She said: “I am speechless at the moment because it is a great honour to have all of you here. We are believing God that with the level of excitement being displayed by the children today, we shall be able to produce more champions. “We shall also try everything within our power to expose these young, great minds to more tennis action to further help them grow at a faster rate. Thank you so much, we are grateful”. Meanwhile, Kaduna State Deputy Director of Sports, Ministry of Sports and Youth Development, Elisha Yashim, applauded the developmental programmes of the ITA, especially with its partnership of NNPC. Mr. Yashim noted that the programmes have come at the right time, especially as it has to do with Grassroots Sports. He stated however that, “Kienka cannot do it alone. He needs the support of the government and other Corporate Sponsors just like NNPC has been doing over the years. “We are looking forward to producing more talents from this state. At least, everybody is proud of Sylvester Emmanuel today for all his exploits in the game”. side a team of sports administrators in the state, paid a visit to the school which has produced a national champion in Iye Onoja.
