Great Rice MD, Nzewi Sponsors X-FIT Table Tennis Team In-House Championship, targets Sportsmanship, Healthy Living Promotion

 Uchenna Johnson 

Awka

The X-FIT Table Tennis Team on Saturday held its in-house championship at Oma Event Centre, Awka, bringing together players, sports enthusiasts, and notable personalities in a competition aimed at promoting healthy living, friendship, and sportsmanship.

The tournament, tagged "All X-FIT Faithful Table Tennis Championship," was sponsored by Mr. Nnanna Nzewi, popularly known as Otabili Onye Nwanne Ya

, in collaboration with the management of Xfit Aerobics and Fitness and featured 30 participants competing across four categories: Exhibition Group, X-FIT Junior Group, Female Category, and the X-FIT Main Group.

Speaking before the commencement of the competition, the Anambra State Table Tennis Coach and coach of the X-FIT team, Mr. Ibeh Reginald Ogonna, commended the sponsor, Nnanna Nzewi for his longstanding support to the club. He urged participants to display good sportsmanship throughout the tournament and avoid actions capable of disrupting the smooth conduct of the games.

The event attracted several dignitaries, including the Chief Executive Officer of X-FIT Gym and Aerobics Club, Chief Joseph Onwuakpa (Ifemelumma); Chief Executive Officer of Cosmilla Hotels and Suites, Mr. Obinna Michael (Okaibe); former member of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Hon. Sunny Ozobialu (Mmilimalugo); and Barrister Eli, the candidate for Onitsha South Constituency, among other stakeholders of table tennis and enthusiasts in and around Awka.

In his remarks, Mr. Obinna Michael, MD of Cosmila hotel as well as founder of Cosmila table tennis club, described the sponsor as a close friend and stated that his relationship with him informed his attendance at the event. He noted that excellence and hard work are always rewarded in sports and wished all participants success in the competition.

Chairman of the club, Hon. Sunny Ozobialu, expressed satisfaction with the peaceful and successful conduct of the tournament. He praised Mr. Nzewi for solely sponsoring the event and encouraged members who were unable to participate to prepare for future competitions, especially the larger outdoor tournament planned by the club.

Addressing participants, the sponsor, Mr. Nzewi, cited Hebrews 13:1, which encourages believers to continue in brotherly love. According to him, table tennis serves as a platform for fostering friendship, unity, and healthy relationships among members.

He also appreciated Chief Onwuakpa for providing the venue, and the three international standards table tennis boards free of charge, describing the gesture as a remarkable contribution to sports development. He called on other investors and sports enthusiasts to emulate such support for the growth of sports in society.

Mr. Nzewi further acknowledged several organizations that have supported him in all his sports endeavours, including Great Rice Mill, Pointek Communications, Cubana Millennium City, Asaba, C-Energy, ASHIA, ACTDA, ARTMA, POOLEE Gadgets, Vaibs Gadgets, Abig Nwanko Foundation, Baby Awka, and the Anambra State AIDS Control Agency.

The competition progressed through knockout, quarterfinal, semifinal, and final stages, generating excitement among participants and spectators alike.

At the end of the tournament, Ibrahim emerged champion in one of the categories, defeating Stone in a highly competitive final encounter.

In the X-FIT Junior Group, Frank claimed first position, while Dr. Ajuzie finished as runner-up. In the Female Category, Peculiar secured a convincing 2-0 victory over Nigerian police Anambra number one table tennis player popularly known as Suker to emerge champion.

The highlight of the tournament came in the X-FIT Main Group, where Joseph Parker, popularly known as Joe Armani, defeated Chidi Okoronkwo to emerge overall champion of the day. Odongo and IK finished in joint third position.

Reacting to his victory, Joe Armani expressed gratitude to the management and members of the X-FIT Table Tennis Team for their support. He specifically thanked Chief Joseph Onwuakpa for making the facility available, Hon. Sunny Ozobialu for his confidence in him, and sponsor Nnanna Nzewi for supporting the championship.

He also acknowledged the efforts of the team captain, Mr. Tunde, and Coach Ogonna for their guidance and encouragement, dedicating his victory to everyone who contributed to his success.

The tournament ended with participants reaffirming their commitment to promoting fitness, friendship, and sporting excellence through table tennis.