The Bayelsa State Table Tennis Association (BYSTTA) has finalized plans to renovate its table tennis hall at the Samson Siasia Sports Complex in Yenagoa ahead of the 2024 National Sports Festival, set to be held in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The hall renovation is part of a broader effort to enhance facilities for athletes and ensure they are well-prepared for the upcoming event.
In a statement signed by the association’s chairman, Mr. Ama-ebi Ebikpolade, it was revealed that the renovations will take at least two weeks to complete and will focus on both structural and technological upgrades.
The upgrades aim to elevate the hall to meet international standards, ensuring a better experience for athletes and reducing long-term maintenance costs.
Key Renovation Features
Wall Padding and Durability
The association plans to install finished wood panels on the walls to address the recurring issue of wall stains, which have previously required painting every six months.
The finished wood will offer a more durable and aesthetic solution, drastically reducing future maintenance needs.
Solar Power Installation
Solar power will be introduced to the facility to allow extended training hours for athletes, independent of external electricity supplies.
This is expected to improve the quality and consistency of training, especially for athletes preparing for high-stakes competitions.
Upgraded Flooring
The hall will receive new high-performance flooring with a 4.5mm thickness, approved by both the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) and the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF).
This flooring is designed to enhance player safety and performance, meeting the standards required for top-level competition.
Security Enhancements
To safeguard the upgraded facilities, including ITTF-approved table boards and other high-value equipment, the entrance gate to the hall will be replaced.
New Equipment and Support
The NTTF South-South Zonal Representative has pledged to donate a STAG-Americas 16 tournament table, also approved by the ITTF, once the renovation is complete.
This donation will ensure that the athletes have access to world-class training equipment.
Plans for National Sports Festival Preparations
Following the completion of renovations, the BYSTTA will begin camping athletes in preparation for the 2024 National Sports Festival.
The renovated hall will be dedicated to cadet, U:17, para, and deaf table tennis athletes, while senior players will train at a newly constructed facility overseen by the BYSTTA.
These renovations reflect Bayelsa’s dedication to fostering a new generation of table tennis talent while ensuring athletes train in a world-class environment as they prepare for the prestigious National Sports Festival.
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