Lagbede Pickleball Club Ondo Holds Successful Inaugural Annual Tournament Grand FinaleOndo City, Ondo State.

The Lagbede Pickleball Club, Ondo, has successfully concluded its inaugural annual pickleball tournament with an exciting grand finale featuring the semi-finals and finals across several categories.The two-day tournament, which brought together young players, adults and veterans, provided participants and spectators with an opportunity to enjoy competitive sports, physical exercise and community fellowship.

The grand finale featured competitions in Men’s Singles (Senior and Junior), Men’s Doubles (Senior and Junior), and Men’s Veterans Doubles. Proceedings began at about 10:00 a.m., with players displaying impressive skills, determination and sportsmanship throughout the competition.

Sports as a Tool for Youth Development: Speaking on the significance of the tournament, the Chairman of Lagbede Pickleball Club, Prof. J.O. Akinbi, expressed appreciation to God, the club’s leadership, members, players and supporters whose contributions made the tournament possible. He noted that beyond the sporting competition, the tournament demonstrated the role of pickleball in promoting physical fitness, mental wellbeing and positive youth engagement.According to him, the growing interest of young people in pickleball provides a meaningful avenue for keeping youths engaged in productive activities while helping to discourage involvement in harmful social vices.

Tribute to Founder and Patrons : Prof. Akinbi particularly commended the Founder and Patron of Lagbede Pickleball Club, Chief Professor Bonaventure A. Akinlosotu, for his vision, foresight and commitment to establishing and sustaining the club.He described the establishment of the club as a significant contribution to the development of pickleball in Ondo, noting that Lagbede Pickleball Club is reportedly the third club of its kind in Nigeria.The Chairman also acknowledged the financial and moral support of the club’s Co-Patron and Adviser, Chief Prof. Akinlosotu, as well as the support provided by their spouses.He prayed for God’s continued blessings, longevity and good health for the patrons, so they can continue to enjoy the fruits of their contributions to society.

Special Recognition for Supporters :The club also expressed appreciation to Princess Fadejogun Ade Ayoola, CEO of Ondo Eki Chat Show, who graced the two-day tournament with her presence and encouraged both the young and adult players.Prof. Akinbi commended her support and encouragement, describing her presence as a source of motivation to participants.

Recognition was also given to Mr. Henry Akinlosotu and his wife, who attended the tournament and assisted with serving refreshments during the event.The club further acknowledged veterans including Alhaji Lamidi and Pastor Arowolo David, among others, for their presence and support.Coach Lukman Garba Commended Special praise was reserved for the club’s coach, Mr. Lukman Garba, described by the Chairman as an indefatigable and dedicated member of the team.Prof. Akinbi noted that Coach Garba devoted several hours to coordinating the tournament, including spending as many as seven hours standing under the scorching sun during the grand finale, in addition to his responsibilities on the previous day.The Chairman prayed for continued strength and success for the coach, commending his commitment to the development of pickleball in Ondo.

Appreciation to Players and Organisers: Prof. Akinbi also praised the Executive Committee members of Lagbede Pickleball Club for their dedication, commitment, teamwork and perseverance in ensuring the success of the inaugural annual tournament.He equally congratulated and appreciated all the junior, senior and veterans players, stressing that their participation was central to the success of the competition.The tournament marked an important milestone for the Lagbede Pickleball Club and further highlighted the growing potential of pickleball as a recreational and competitive sport in Ondo.With the successful completion of its first annual tournament, the club appears poised to continue using sports to promote healthy living, youth development, community engagement and sporting excellence in Ondo State.— Prof. J.O. AkinbiChairman, Lagbede Pickleball Club, Ondo