Philip Akibogun, Secretary General of the Gambia Lawn Tennis Association, has said that the association is on the brink of producing more potential tennis stars “in the very near future”.
Akibogun, who devoted the better part of his time helping a teeming number of tennis youngsters grow gradually, was speaking to this reporter at the association’s training centre at the Independence Stadium Lawn Tennis courts in Bakau yesterday.
Akibogun attributed the progress made by the tennis association to the introduction of the minority game in schools in the country, saying: “The introduction of tennis to schools have really paid dividends because the project has produced potential and talented tennis players for the Gambia national tennis team over the years.”
He pointed out that the Gambia Lawn Tennis Association is also preparing for the Domestic and International competitions, as they intensify preparations for the forthcoming London 2012 Olympic Games. The association is however aware of the fact that finance should be available to make that dream a reality.
“There is a possibility that the Gambia Lawn Tennis Association will take part in the London 2012 Olympic games if funds are available and I am equally confident that they will certainly perform to expectations,” Akibogun said.
The tennis is witnessing an increase in number of young talented tennis players, who are determined to succeed in the game, said Philip, who was awarded by the Gambia National Olympic Committee (GNOC), in recognition of his outstanding service in tennis both as a former tennis star and as a retired tennis contributor.
