Northern sector Regions launch tennis tournament

Tamale, Sept. 26, GNA – Tennis Clubs from the Northern, Upper East and West have jointly launched a tournament to be hosted by the Northern region in Tamale to promote the development the sport in the area.
The beginning of the triangular recreational tournament is scheduled for the 1st to 4th December, 2011 and aims at promoting unity, peace and healthy lifestyles amongst members in the three regions.
Mr Sam Nasamu Asabigi, Deputy Northern Regional Minister who launched the tournament at the week-end in Tamale, said sports activities had been identified as a major tool for promoting unity and peace and its participation by the people would go a long in ensuring peaceful co-existence and prevent inter-ethnic conflicts, especially in the northern parts of the country.
He said the Government has started a programme to develop and revive all sporting activities especially in the rural areas and tennis was no exception, adding that sporting activities improves the lifespan of people and government was determined to encourage many more people to engage in it.
Mr Asabigi urged especially the youth to participate in tennis as a sport to demystify the perception that tennis was a preserve of the rich.
He pledged to donate some resources to the various Clubs on behalf of the Regional Coordinating Council to provide the needed sporting facilities to develop tennis in the three Regions.
Mr Chris Osiba-Boateng, Chairman of the Tamale Tennis Club said the Club, which was established in 1991 has over the years unearthed talents, some of whom have participated in a Davis Cup competitions for the country.
He called on all stakeholders to support the development of tennis activities and appealed to the Northern Regional Sports Authority to take interest in tennis at the youth level.
Mr Osiba-Boateng appealed to the National Sports Authority to throw its weight and support behind the Clubs by providing them with coaches and tennis accoutrements at reduced prices to enable the youth and participants develop their talents.