The Chairman of the Cross River State Sports Commission, Mr. Eta Lawrence Itanya, has commended the Cross River State Representative on the Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Rt. Hon. Chief Orok Otu Duke, PhD, for his continued support for young table tennis players in the state.
Speaking to the athletes in Calabar, Itanya highlighted Duke’s payment of school fees for players at different levels of education, describing the initiative as an important investment in both their sporting and academic development.
The Commission Chairman also acknowledged Duke’s broader support for sports, including the provision of solar lights at the stadium, and called on other sports stakeholders to place greater attention on the welfare and education of athletes. He urged the players to justify the opportunities before them by remaining committed to their studies and putting greater effort into their training, stressing that the objective should be to produce champions who can represent Cross River at the highest levels.
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Duke, while addressing the players, urged them to stay focused and work towards becoming champions, reminding them that many celebrated athletes like Offiong Edem and Cecilia Otu began their journeys at the grassroots.
He reaffirmed his commitment to their welfare, including the continuation of monthly stipends and educational support, while charging the young players to respond with discipline, hard work and improved performances in future competitions.
