As Cross River state prepares to host the 19th National Sports Festival, three completed world class lawn tennis courts, located at the premises of the Calabar Sports Club, have been formally handed over to the Cross River State Government. Receiving the courts on behalf of the State Government, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Patrick Ugbe, commended the contractor for the quality of work done and the fact that he delivered on time.
Ugbe disclosed that other facilities including the tartan track and pitch had earlier been received and test-run while the swimming pool, basketball, handball and Abula pitches would be completed soon. He said the reason for locating some of the facilities in the Sports Club and the State University of Technology and other vital venues is to ensure that they are put to effective use even after the competition in order to build talent in the state. While handing over the courts to the Calabar Sports Club, Ugbe acknowledged that the partnership between Government and the Club has been most rewarding and begged that the facilities be properly maintained.
In his comments at the brief ceremony, Alfred Otu of Otu Tennis Company, the firm that built the courts, informed that the remaining court was 90 percent complete and shall be delivered soon. He further stated that all facilities were tailored to meet world class standards and assured government of their durability.
President, Calabar Sports Club, Romanus Enya Eriom, at the occasion, expressed appreciation to Governor Imoke, for his foresight in choosing the Club to partner with them, adding that the club has completed plans to offer training opportunities to children so as to improve skills and prepare them for the near future.
