The setting was the Badminton Court of the Indoor Sports Hall of the Federal University of Technology Akure ,FUTA . At the Centre of proceedings were the Vice Chancellor, Professor Adenike Oladiji ,and a FUTA Alumnus Mr. Alex Fapounda who had represented FUTA at the world University Games in 2017. Both players showed remarkable verve and technical knowhow which attracted rapturous applause from the appreciative spectators who had come to witness the maiden edition of the FUTA Badminton Championship. The two badminton players showed remarkable dexterity in the exhibition game heralding the championship which held between July 23 and 25 , 2024.
The competition itself ,which was single handedly sponsored by the Vice Chancellor witnessed the participation of over 50 students across the schools(Male and Female). At the grand finale of the games,Fagite Perfect of the School of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology,(SAAT) defeated Adedeji Toluwalope also from SAAT in two straight sets to emerges the winner of the male category, while the 3rd position was shared between, Dare Michael of the School of Physical Sciences and Toye Toheeb of SAAT.
The female category saw Okunuwa Opeyemi of the School of Life Sciences defeat Akinjoye Favor of SAAT to clinch the first position, and the 3rd position went to Siyanbola Taiwo of SAAT and Adewole Duyilemi also from the School of Agric and Agricultural Technology.
Speaking while presenting the medals and certificates, the Vice Chancellor commended the efforts of the Sports Director, Dr Michael Ajibua and said the Championship final had a fitting end to the tournament with wonderful display and remarkable performances from the players. She said one of the goals of the Management is to promote sporting activities as it has proven over the years to foster unity. Professor Oladiii encouraged the students to try to always strike a balance between sporting and academic activities. She thanked everyone for attending the finale amidst busy schedules.
In a remark, the President FUTA Badminton Club and Coach, Mrs. Olatunde Bukola thanked the Vice Chancellor for the role she played in making sure that the tournament was a success. She described the game as a special activity that can be played by all age categories and a very good form of exercise. She encouraged other students to register for sports and develop their skills in sports.
Peoplesmind
