By Henry Uche, Lagos
Human Capital Management firm HumanManager Limited (HML) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting young talents with the sponsorship of the 18th Annual Lagos Country Club Youth Tennis Tournament held from 17th to 22nd July.
This initiative marked a significant milestone in the company’s unwavering commitment to supporting human capital development in Nigeria. It also serves as a platform for celebrating diversity and inclusivity within the realm of sports, laying the groundwork for a more promising and united future across the nation.
The grand finale of the initiative showcased an impressive display of athletic prowess and sportsmanship at the championship final, where winners emerged in the red ball, orange ball, under 12, 14, and 16 boys’ and girls’ categories.
According to Adekunbi Akinmiluyi, the Managing Director of HML, “We are proud and happy to be associated with (Prince) Ademiluyi Tennis Foundation. Tennis is an inclusive game, offering young people the opportunity to actively participate and excel. This remarkable endeavour will undoubtedly foster a sense of togetherness, instil values of sportsmanship and uplift the spirits of local communities.”
In recognition of exceptional performances during the event, a series of awards were presented to the emergent winners. HumanManager also offered a fully sponsored 2-week Digital Skills Acquisition Boot Camp this summer for the winners across all categories. The training is run by Imagine Step Academy, at their Surulere and Ikeja campuses.
This gesture exemplifies the organisation’s unwavering commitment to community development and was made possible through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, which aimed to empower extraordinary talents from diverse backgrounds, enriching the sporting landscape in Nigeria.
Chairman of Yoruba Tennis Club (YTC), Barrister Olakunle Agbebi, who was a special guest, said “Tennis stands as a profound sport, fostering the holistic development of the mind, body, and spirit – it prepares youths for life’s challenges. It is a game that is uniquely inclusive, offering youngsters the opportunity to participate actively,”
A parent of one of the winners applauded HumanManager and said “This award has provided the children better and more productive way to spend their holidays. I am happy the prize is something that can be useful for my daughter later in her career.”
6-year-old Tetese Ahenjir, the winner of the “Orange Ball” category for girls, says she was happy to have learnt new techniques, and to have won in her category – “Pretty soon, you’ll see me in TV and the Professional Circuits, representing Nigeria.”