Some wheelchair tennis
players have commended the Nigeria Wheelchair Tennis Federation (NWTF) for organising the maiden edition of the National Wheelchair Tennis Ranking Tournament.
The NWTF is to use the tournament to rank Nigerian players and discover talents to represent the country at international competitions.
Alex Adewale, who emerged champion, is now the national number one male player, while Foluke Shittu is now female number one player in the country.
Adewale, who won the male single, commended NWTF and the Lagos State Government for giving the players opportunity to showcase their talents.
“I must commend the state governor for his assistance to me personally and the growth of the sport in the country.
“Governor  Fashola paid our transport to and fro the stadium for the training and offered us some other assistance.
“Though there is no prize money attached, I appreciate the Golden Penny Company for providing us with T-shirts which made the event more colorful,” Adewale said.
Jude Uwazie, the number two seeded player, expressed his happiness in participating in the tournament.
“It is just all about game, either lose or win. I played my best, but the most important thing for me is the opportunity to learn new skills.
“We are supposed to go for world team cup qualifier this year, but due to lack of funds we may not take part in the qualifiers.
“I urge the government and private companies to come in and sponsor the game,” he said.
Aare Adebayo, who emerged champion in the male’s singles of the Quade category, urged the federation to ensure that the players took part in international competitions.
“I urge the federation to do more in ensuring that we participate in international competitions,’’ he said.
Shittu, the female champion, said that the players had learnt a lot from the competition.
“I am happy for the great opportunity given to me to display my talent and I have also learnt new skills during the competition.
“ We are happy that we started the year with competition; we are calling on the federation to ensure adequate competition both in Nigeria and outside the country.
“It only through competition that players can improve on their skills,” she said.
The players also called on the sports authorities in the country to take the welfare of physically challenged athletes seriously.