The initiator of the annual Baale Table Tennis Championship Baale Oluranti Ademola Ilori, the Atunluse 1 of Ibakan Kingdom in Ijebu, Ogun State has emphasised that the purpose of the annual table tennis championship which is a grassroots sport gathering of every January first at Ibakan Oke is to unite the Communities of Idofe, Iganran, Falafounmu, Ibakan Oke & Isale, Odosapo Jenloye & Toloye, Imope, Aparaki, Odoalamo, Ipari Oke, Okeyejo, Ilaporu, Ipari Isale, Oru, Oke-Olowu, Oke-Eri, Idona, Ijebu-Igbo and Awa.
He explained that: ‘’the physical activities organised yearly as non-professional level for health, educational and social purposes play a vital role in our local communities. Not only does the sport help us stay fit and healthy, it also helps develop individual sporting talents and also help bring people from the local communities together.’’
According to the Chairman of the organising committee, Olusesan Olukoya, the purpose of the championship has been meant to an extent as champions have emerged from neighbouring communities of Aparaki and Odosapo since the commencement of the event though it holds in Ibakan Oke annually. The committee members are: Progress Jaiye Ilori (Chairman); Mr. Rafiu Adesanya (1st Vice Chairman); Mrs. Olubunmi Akinro (2nd Vice Chairman); Olusesan Olukoya (Coordinator/ organising committee Chairman); Alaba Olusegun Ilori, Abayomi Ilori, and Mrs. Abolanle Adenuga.
The third edition of the championship will hold at Ibakan Oke on Friday, 1stt January by 2pm noon. The first, second and third winners will be presented with cash, medals and trophy rewards as well as other valuable prizes. You are all invited.
I really like the wey we are growing up our community .and god will help us all and make our town to balance in Jesus name .