In a bid to rejuvenate lawn tennis activities in Sierra Leone, the newly elected executive of the Sierra Leone Lawn Tennis Association (SLLTA) convened a landmark press conference at the YSC Sport Complex in Freetown on May 31st, 2024. The conference, attended by key figures including President Andy Bam, Secretary General, regional heads, and the Public Relations Officer (PRO), Dadson Allen Musa, marked a pivotal moment following the recent Supreme Court ruling affirming the legitimacy of the current executive.
President Andy Bam, a former international tennis player for Sierra Leone and holder of an ITF coaching license, wasted no time in outlining the association’s ambitious plans. Amidst a backdrop of two years of stalled tennis activities due to prolonged legal battles, Bam emphasized the urgent need for a gradual transition to revitalize the sport.
Bam’s vision for the SLLTA encompasses a multi-faceted approach. Firstly, he pledged to oversee the rejuvenation of inter-club competitions nationwide, aiming to reignite grassroots enthusiasm for the sport. Additionally, he unveiled plans to introduce tennis programs in schools, targeting young talent for early grooming, with commitments to engage both the Ministry of Youth and the Ministry of Education in collaborative efforts.
Acknowledging the existing infrastructure challenges despite the presence of tennis courts, Bam emphasized the necessity of further development to ensure widespread access to the sport, aligning with governmental directives on sports promotion.
However, questions lingered regarding financial viability. In response, Bam asserted his intention to leverage international and domestic partnerships while advocating for increased governmental support to prioritize tennis within Sierra Leone’s sporting landscape.
The executive members echoed Bam’s optimism, citing the success of Sierra Leonean tennis prodigy Francis Tiafoe, now a prominent figure in global tennis representing the United States.
As Sierra Leone emerges from a prolonged period of tennis dormancy, the SLLTA’s ambitious agenda signals a promising trajectory for the sport, with hopes pinned on collaborative efforts and strategic partnerships to drive its revival.
The press conference concluded with a palpable sense of optimism, signaling a new era for tennis in Sierra Leone under the stewardship of President Andy Bam and his executive team.
