Monrovia – Liberians have been called upon to get fully involved into tennis because it is a sports that can change lives for the better.
The Chief Executive Officer of Norris Tennis Initiative, Norris Ben, who runs a tennis program for kids believes that there are hidden talents in the country and if they are exposed to the sport, they could be stars in few years.
By: Christopher C.Walker 0777898224/0886723075 [email protected]
As part of his effort to see the game of tennis develop from the foundation, a one-day mini-tennis tournament was organized by the Norris Tennis Initiative at the Invincible Sports Park in Monrovia over the weekend to scout potential players.
“We are taking tennis to your door-step to get more kids gaining interest in this unique sport,” Ben said.
Speaking to journalists at the Invincible Sports Park where the day-long tournament was held, Ben said the tournament was aimed at bringing young talented kids from all over Montserrado County to compete for the first time.
He discloses that tennis is close to his heart and see just ended tournament as a way to develop young tennis players in Liberia.
“Since my birth anniversary was coming up on the 2nd of January, I thought it wise to celebrate the occasion by bringing together some of the young players NTI has been training, to engage in a day-long tournament.
“For my birthday celebration, I decided to call some players who I am training, to participate in a one-day tournament, and I sent a text to a few of my clients to sponsor the event and I received the amount of 15,000 LRD from a few persons,” he said.
He explained that he was surprised when the tournament was ongoing the Minister of State without Portfolio Trokon Kpui volunteered to serve as sponsor and presented a trophy and US$200 for the champion as prize money.
Levi Barker was crowned winner of the tournament named Norris Tennis Initiative Open Junior Tournament 2023, it was played under the theme: “Promoting Tennis in Liberia”.
Also in attendance for the tournament was Cllr. Idella Cooper and her daughter, Miss Zuri Shannon, and hundreds of onlookers.
Meanwhile, the CEO and founder of the Norris Tennis Initiative is appealing to tennis lovers in and out of Liberia to donate useful tennis materials to help teach Liberian kids the beautiful game of tennis.
He named some of the items needed as Tennis Racquets, Tennis balls, Ball Hoppers, Tennis shoes, Tennis clothes, Mini tennis net and more.
“We want to thank those who donated towards this tournament it was used for the intended purpose, and our doors remain open for more donations to better improve and take this tournament to other counties,” he told reporters.