A press release sent to Pointsport from the Gambia Tennis Association (GTA) has indicated that Racquet for Kids of New York has donated tennis racquets to the GTA.
It is against this backdrop that the GTA wrote a press release to extend its profound thanks and appreciation to the donor for the "kind gesture".
Below is the full text of the Press Release:
"Racquet for Kids" New York Donates Tennis Racquets to the Gambia Tennis Association
In December 2010 when Mt Kwadwo "Kojo" Ofosuhene, finance director CFO University of The Gambia, went to the US to join his family for the Christmas and New Year holidays, he was able to take time from his busy schedule to solicit assistance for and on behalf of the Gambia Tennis Association from "Racquet for Kids", of Long Island, New York.
In response they donated over 50 new and used racquets worth approximately US6,000.00 to The Gambia Tennis Association.
The GTA wishes to acknowledge, with thanks, receipt of all the items. These materials will be used by junior players in the development of the Junior Tennis Initiative Programme which encompasses the STI, Schools Tennis Initiative, I.e. mini-tennis players and PTI performance tennis initiative (i.e. under 14 players training and tournaments).
The 5-year development plan of the GTA places special emphasis on the development of young players and grooms them to compete in tournaments outside their own country.
Because the GTA does not have the required financial means coupled with the fact that most of the junior players are less privileged, the implementation of our major development programmes rely in part on donor assistance. It therefore goes without saying that receiving such essential materials has made grat impact of which we are grateful. This support is also vital in facilitating the transition of some of our talented players through international competitions and onto professional platforms.
With the aim of raising the standard and profile of tennis in The Gambia "Racquet for Kids" has pledged to continue assisting the GTA in various ways in future.
We want to assure our donors that this equipment would be used towards the development of junior players in preparation for the competitive tennis. We wish to seize this opportunity to once again thank "Racquet for Kids" of Long Island, New York for their immense contribution towards the development of tennis in The Gambia, while looking forward to a lasting and fruitful relationship.