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The Offiong Edem Table Tennis Foundation has announced plans for the sixth edition of its annual grassroots table tennis championship, with the tournament scheduled to hold from August 13 to 15 at the U.J. Esuene Stadium Table Tennis Hall in Calabar, Cross River State.
The championship is expected to attract some of the most promising young players from Nigeria’s South-South and South-East regions as the Foundation intensifies efforts to discover and develop the country’s next generation of table tennis stars.
Founded by the Nigerian Olympian, the Foundation has continued to promote youth development through sports by providing talented youngsters with opportunities to compete, improve their skills and pursue careers in table tennis.
The 2026 edition will feature Under-13 Boys and Girls, Under-15 Boys and Girls, and a Mixed Open event, with participants expected to compete for honours while gaining valuable competitive experience.
Speaking ahead of the tournament, Edem said the Foundation remains committed to giving young athletes the platform to fulfill their potential irrespective of their backgrounds.
“The Foundation was created to give talented children hope and opportunities. Every child deserves a chance to dream, compete and succeed regardless of their background. We believe sports can transform lives and build better communities,” she said.
She noted that beyond the competition, the championship seeks to instill discipline, sportsmanship and friendship among participants while contributing to the continued growth of grassroots table tennis in Nigeria.
According to Edem, the tournament has grown steadily, with this year’s edition expected to deliver greater rewards and impact for participants.
“This year, we are raising the bar. We are looking at a prize pool of ₦3 million for winners and runners-up across categories.
There will also be equipment like rackets, rubbers, and training kits, as well as trophies and medals,” she revealed.
Beyond prizes, the former African champion emphasized the long-term vision of the initiative, which includes educational support for standout players.
“It’s not just about winning medals. We want to support their future too, possibly through scholarships and continued development both in sports and academics,” she added.
Edem, who is currently based in the United States where she coaches at the Lonestar Table Tennis Academy in Austin, Texas, said the exposure she is gaining abroad is being channeled back into developing grassroots table tennis in Nigeria.
As the tournament enters its third edition, it continues to serve as a vital platform for talent discovery, reinforcing the role of sports as a tool for social change and youth empowerment.
