Feats in Table Tennis Worth Celebrating!

The Bayelsa State Table Tennis Association (BYSTTA) has achieved remarkable feats under the visionary leadership of Honourable (Champion) Daniel Igali, the Commissioner of Sports, Bayelsa State, and Sir Braveman Wodi, the Director of Sports. Their foresight and commitment to sports development have brought about transformative strides within the association, particularly through their discovery and appointment of Mr. Ama-ebi W. Ebikpolade as the Chairman of BYSTTA. His dynamic leadership has propelled the association to new heights.

One of the most significant accomplishments of BYSTTA is the strategic focus on harmonizing sports and education for its athletes. Recognizing the importance of academic growth alongside athletic excellence, BYSTTA has successfully sent five indigenous athletes to the prestigious Benson Idahosa University (BIU), ensuring they have access to quality education while continuing their table tennis careers. This balance between sports and education is a testament to BYSTTA’s commitment to nurturing well-rounded individuals.

In a forward-looking initiative, BYSTTA has also secured a groundbreaking scholarship agreement with the Niger Delta University (NDU). This partnership guarantees that all BYSTTA athletes, moving forward, will pursue their academic dreams at the university while representing Bayelsa State on the table tennis front. This initiative not only builds academic excellence but also strengthens the state’s sports legacy for generations to come. In line with this, six (6) of BYSTTA athletes have sat for their Post UME and are set to begin their academic journey at NDU.

Additionally, BYSTTA made a historic move by clearing a 14-year backlog of unpaid dues for the Bayelsa State Umpires Association. This act of goodwill has led to the reactivation of the umpires, ensuring that their commitment to the sport is fully recognized and that their expertise will continue to be a cornerstone of table tennis in Bayelsa State and Nigeria.
Finally, the chairman of BYSTTA, Mr. Ama-ebi W. Ebikpolade, has almost completed (98%) a state-of-the-art table tennis facility for the Bayelsa State Table Tennis Association, located at Oxbowlake road, beside Federal Mortgage Bank.

These feats stand as a testament to the leadership, vision, and dedication that define the Bayelsa State Table Tennis Association, positioning it as a leading force in the sports development landscape of Nigeria.