The Anambra State chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria has commended the State Government for providing timely intervention for ailing Tanya Okpala, a former national youth lawn tennis champion.
The SWAN state Chairman, Chimezie Anaso, and Secretary, Ikenna Nwokedi, said this in a statement on Sunday.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Okpala was based in the United States of America, where she got a scholarship to study as a result of her brilliant performance in lawn tennis during her heyday before returning to Nigeria.
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The athlete recently drew public attention after she appeared in a viral video wandering on the streets of Awka, the Anambra State capital.
The statement by SWAN read in part: “We want to thank Gov. Charles Soludo and his wife, Nonye, for their interest and intervention towards rehabilitating Tanya.
“SWAN is glad that the Mkpologu-born former tennis star had been admitted to a medical facility, where she is receiving the necessary attention at the instance of the Anambra Government.
“It is our wish and prayer that Tanya recovers soon and be integrated back into society.”
The association further made a case for other athletes with similar health challenge as Okpala’s “in various corners of Anambra”.
It, therefore, called on the State Government “to extend similar gestures to such persons as a demonstration of Soludo’s love for sports”.
It specifically drew the government’s attention to the case of Kenneth Abana, also known as “Magic”, a foundation member of Rangers International FC of Enugu.
The body explained that Abana was confined to a wheelchair for years before losing one of his legs by amputation in 2023.
It listed other sportsmen and women in dire health conditions deserving urgent interventions by government as well as public-spirited individuals and corporate organisations.
They include Ngozika Ekwelum, Benson Udeh and Paul Obiako.
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