2015 HENSEK tennis tournament kicks-off in Uyo

BY EMMANUEL AKPAN

The second and 2015 edition of  HENSEK tennis tournament has kicked off in Uyo, the State capital of Akwa Ibom. 

Briefing sports journalists over the weekend at the venue of the tournament, Uyo Club 1935, Wellington Bassey Way, the sponsor of the tournament, Engr. Uwem Okoko said he was happy on the commencement of this year’s edition which started on 1st -9th May, 2015, adding that the tournament begins in 2014 which was aimed at promoting tennis game in Akwa Ibom State.

The sponsor noted that HENSEK tennis tournament is targeted at bringing out players, reaching the height of their potential as well as export them as sports ambassadors to Nigeria and the world at large. “It will be our pleasure to see products of this tournament play in the US open, Australia open and other masters in the world.”

While disclosing the participating teams in the tournament which included; Ikot Abasi Sports Club, Eket Sports Club, Ikot Ekpene Sports Club, University of Uyo Senior Staff Club and Uyo Club 1935, Engr. Uwem Okoko is the Managing Director of HENSEK  Integrated Services Limited, maintained that the overall winner of the second edition will go home with a very attractive price and that the tournament will create opportunity for none members of Uyo Club 1935 gain free access to the club.

Eng. Okoko furher said it is the hope of HENSEK that at the end of the tournament, good players that will represent Akwa Ibom State in future tennis tournaments and play in other professional masters series would be discovered.

Also speaking, the president of Uyo Club 1935, Hon. (Barr) Uwem Ekanem thanked the sponsor, Engr, Uwem Okoko for his interest and commitment in sponsoring tennis tournament and also for choosing Uyo Club 1935 as the venue of this year’s tournament. The president commended the sponsor for his interest in sports development, adding that the tournament would definitely fished out talented tennis players in the state and that the players will develop their skills in the course of the tournament. According the president, “This tournament will definitely sharpen skills of players, I thank the sponsor of this tournament, and I also wish that members of the participating clubs will partake in this tournament without unnecessary rancor.”

Barr. Uwem Ekanem said the aim of the tournament was to develop skills in tennis as well as the general well being of the participants even as he advised all the participating clubs to behave very well in the spirit of sportsmanship. He used the opportunity to wish participating teams a very successful tournament and he hopes that HENSEK will sustain the tempo so that the tournament would come to stay.

The tennis captain of Uyo Club 1935, Mr. Victor Erivwode commended HENSEK for hosting the tournament for two consecutive years, while the Chairman, Tournament Paining Committee, Prof. Ini Jonah highlighted categories of the tournament which included; Open Singles and Doubles, Veteran Singles and Doubles, Invitational Singles, adding that all price tags for all the categories are very attractive.         

President of Uyo Club 1935, Barr. Uwem Ekanem (2nd left), flanked from left by Chairman of Akwa Ibom State Tennis Association, Akparawa Ikpong Essienudim; Captain of Uyo Club Tennis Section, Victor Erivwode; State Chairman of SWAN, Comrade Uwem Ekoh; Emmanuel Akpan; Chief Executive Officer of HENSEK Integrated Company, Engr. Uwem Okoko; Erasmus Eni, and Marculey Udom, shortly after pre-tournament media briefing for the Opening of the HENSEK 2015 Tennis Tournament on Friday.