Make tennis compulsory at basic schools

The President of the Diplomatic Ball, a sports non-profit organisation that focuses on tennis, Mrs Sena Siaw-Boateng has advocated the inclusion of tennis in Ghana’s extra-curricular activities at the basic school level.

Additionally, she says there was the need for the construction of a multipurpose astroturf in various communities in order to develop the sport in the youth, especially, young girls.

“I have personally met and interacted with female tennis players such as the Williams sisters and their aim is the same as mine; which is to see more women in this game,” Mrs Siaw-Boateng said.

Mrs Siaw-Boateng said these in an interview with the Times Sports on the sidelines of a tennis tournament organised by the Diplomatic Ball for the youth, especially young girls in Accra over the weekend.

The event brought a number of young athletes to compete for honours on the clay courts at the Accra Lawn Tennis Courts.

According to Mrs Sena-Boateng, Ghana has not done enough to develop the game at the primary and secondary level.

“What we can do as a nation is to start at the school level; try and make sure that tennis is also a sport that will be on the list of extra curricula activities.”

At the end of an intriguing contest, Joy Oriakuemerged as winner in the girls division after defeating Sarah Abbey 7-6.

She was presented with a trophy, tennis bag and a cash prize while Sarah received a trophy, tennis bag and balls.

According to her, developing the interest of young girls in tennis was important as it helped them think fast on their feet, develop their mental faculty as well their physic.

In the boys category, Emmanuel Welbeck defeated Chris Nortey to win the tournament to be presented with a trophy, tennis bag and a cash prize.

Each player received branded water bottles, T-shirts, strings, rackets and other souvenirs.

BY BENJAMIN ARCTON-TETTEY