Start-Rite School Students Shine at Lawn Tennis Championships

… Meet with Advisory Board Chair, Ndoma-Egba

By Obansa Ibrahim, Lokoja

Two students of Start-Rite Schools Abuja, Prosperity Ikenna Okonkwo and Mubarak Ganiyu, have done the educational institution proud with their outstanding performances in a series of lawn tennis tournaments held at the National Stadium in Abuja between May 17 and June 16, 2024.

A statement by the school, known for its excellence in academics and sports, indicated that the SS1 students, Okonkwo (15) and Ganiyu (17), who are on scholarship at Start-Rite, impressively exhibited their tennis skills and talents in the championships.

This development is coming after the Amasiani brothers – Chukwudubem Amasiani (12) and Chukwubuikem Amasiani (10), who are also students of Start-Rite School in JSS2 and JSS1 respectively, had won several trophies and laurels from national and international tennis competitions in the U10, U12 and U14 categories.

The statement reads: “In a commendable display of athletic prowess and dedication, two students from Start-Rite Schools, Abuja, met with Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba OFR, CON, SAN, Chairman of the Advisory Board, to present their impressive awards from recent lawn tennis championships.

“The meeting, held at Senator Ndoma-Egba’s office, celebrated the students’ achievements and underscored the school’s commitment to fostering excellence in both academics and sports.

“Over four weeks, from May 17 to June 16, these talented students participated in a series of tournaments at the National Stadium in Abuja, contributing to their team’s impressive haul of 12 medals, including 10 gold and 2 silver.

“Prosperity Ikenna Okonkwo emerged as a standout player, clinching his first international title at the J30 tournament. Competing against participants from the UK and China, Okonkwo dominated the U18 category, securing gold in both the singles event at the J30 and the doubles events at the J30 and J60 tournaments (ITF Junior Championships). His skill and determination also saw him advance to the semi-finals of a senior Nigerian tournament, where he triumphed over several top-ranked senior professionals, earning him a total of three gold medals.

“Mubarak Ganiyu, another shining star from Start-Rite, demonstrated exceptional talent and agility, reaching his first singles international final at the J60 tournament. His journey to the final was marked by victories over several top-ranked international players. Ganiyu’s performance earned him a silver medal in the singles event at the J60 and another silver in the doubles event at the J30, bringing his total to two silver medals.

“Both students are on scholarship at Start-Rite Schools, where the institution has played a pivotal role in balancing their academic and professional tennis commitments. Start-Rite Schools has continually provided the necessary support, ensuring that students like Okonkwo and Ganiyu can excel both in the classroom and on the tennis court.”

Senator Ndoma-Egba lauded the students’ achievements, expressing pride in their dedication and the school’s role in nurturing such talent.

Congratulating Okonkwo and Ganiyu, he reiterated the institution’s commitment to supporting students’ holistic development, ensuring they achieve their full potential in all endeavours.

The Advisory Board Chair said the school was determined to give the children (students) rounded and grounded education to enable them compete with their peers across the world as it remains in the business of winning laurels in academics and sports.

“As these young athletes continue to make their mark on the international stage, Start-Rite Schools remains dedicated to providing them with the resources and support they need to thrive. With such promising talent and steadfast support, the future of Nigerian tennis looks exceptionally bright,” he added.

A former Cross River Commissioner for Education, Chief Goddy Etta, joined Ndoma-Egba to receive the students.

Chief Etta congratulated the students for their scintillating outing at the tournaments and said he was not surprised that the school was making all round waves given the reputation for perfection of its founder, the late Mrs. Amaka Ndoma-Egba.