The Bayelsa State Table Tennis Association has commenced renovation of its hall at the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa.
Renovation work commenced on Monday and it is expected to last for a period of two to three weeks as athletes continue preparation ahead of the National Sports Festival in Abeokuta, Ogun State next year.
The work revamping of the facility is sponsored by the chairman of the Bayelsa State Table Tennis Association, Mr. Ama-ebi Ebikpolade Stow who doubles as the zonal representative on the board of the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation, NTTF.
Addressing newsmen, Mr. Ebikpolade said scope of the work will witness padding of the wall with finished wood that would help to address the recurring issue of wall stain which has continued to necessitate painting.
According to him, finished wood would offer more durable aesthetics to reduce maintenance cost, and that they would install solar power in order to allow the athletes to train for extended hours.
He explained that the floor of the hall would be covered with the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) and International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) high performance with 4.5mm thickness.
Mr. Ebikpolade noted that the gate at the entrance of the hall would be replaced in order to safeguard upgraded facilities which include ITTF approved table boards and other equipment, pointing out that upgrades to enhance the hall’s utility would be in compliance with international standard, and overall functionality for athletes usage.
The NTTF South South zonal representative asserted that when the renovation is completed, he will donate a STAGE – Americas 16 tournament ITTF approved table to be used in the hall to ensure that athletes have access to quality training.
He thanked the commissioner for Sports Development, Dr. Daniel Igali and the Director of Sports, Sir. Braveman Wodi for the supervisory role they have played for the facility renovation to see the light of day.
