A Non-Governmental Organisation, FOLIAGE empowers young tennis players in Akure as part of the organisation’s vision to develop young tennis players and other potentials in Nigeria.
FOLIAGE is an outfit that got itself debuted in human potential hunt, development and humanitarian services during the hit of COVID-19 in 2020 through its massive sensitizaion activities and other outreach projects in Ondo State.
The Event tagged “Young Tennis Champ” that has two winners; Zayan Rahman (Male); Peace Agbeje (Female) came up in Akure Sports Complex where young tennis players were paraded and tennis kits given to the winners with other encouragement packages to all the players.
Aside the trophies and medals presented to the winners, the NGO also presented numerous tennis kits as prizes, among which are rackets, tennis balls, pairs of tennis canvas, tennis wears etc. to the players.
The event that witnessed massive participation from tennis stakeholders is a clarion call to individuals, groups and organisations to encourage the young talents in all ramifications for the betterment of our society.
In this vein, the General Manager of Ondo State Sports Council, Mr. Henry Babatunde (Mr. White) thereby implored other NGOs and prominent Nigerians to look towards sponsoring tennis among young players like the First Lady of Ondo State, Her Excellency, Betty Anyanwu Akeredolu and Fold for Liberal Age Charity Initiative (FOLIAGE).
Other stakeholders present are Coach Mayowa Joshua, Head Coach of Tennis in Ondo State; Mr. Oluwafemi Adeleye, Secretary, Ondo State Tennis Association and many other members of Tennis Association.
According to FOLIAGE Project Coordinator, Dr. (Mrs) Tolu Fadipe who was represented by her assistant (Prince Adefemi Adewumi), “this event is targeted at young teens to spur their interest in sporting activities like tennis, soccer, swimming etc”.
While expressing his joy for the successful event, the Chairman/Founder of FOLIAGE, Femi Ayejusunle appreciated the tennis stakeholders and every other person present. According to him, “FOLIAGE will prioritize the development of young individuals in their respective chosen career or naturally endowed potentials”.
“We will continue to encourage young tennis players by sponsoring them for different competitions where they could showcase their potential to the world”. He continued.
“We are looking forward towards hosting a South West Young Tennis Champ where we are going to pick our Young Tennis Ambassador and other young tennis players for further sponsorships”. He concluded.