Online Reporter
Ellina Mhlanga
Zimpapers Sports Hub
TENNIS players Benjamin and Courtney Lock have underscored the importance of grassroots development as the two continue to invest their time and resources to help spread the game in the country.
Through the Lock Tennis Foundation (LTF), they recently unveiled a tennis court they built at Marikopo Primary School, in Seke, Mashonaland East.
Now, the brothers are looking at spreading their efforts to other areas in the future.
“Our plan is to strengthen and continue our centre at Marikopo as well as expand into other areas of the country,” said Courtney.
“Our long-term vision is to set up tennis courts all over Zimbabwe and spread the beautiful game of tennis!
“Tennis at the grassroots level is vital. It is a doorway to education, health, opportunity and a better future.
“The Lock Tennis Foundation want to work with the governing bodies of tennis and sport in Zimbabwe to spread the game of tennis, and together provide opportunities for our youth.
“We have already had great support and feedback from the Ministry of Sport, Zimbabwe Olympic Committee and Tennis Zimbabwe.
“We are so excited and look forward to working together in the future,” said Courtney.
They have been working on the Foundation for five years now, and besides unveiling the court, they also donated equipment and held clinics, taking young and aspiring players through the basics of the sport.
The kids day clinic is one of the initiatives they have been running, and they take some time off their schedule to work with young players in communities.
“The foundation is a non-profit and we have been working on this for five years.
“We also have a scholarship programme that will pay for two girls and two boys’ tuition plus extra tennis coaching to help their development.
“The LTF’s main ethos is centred around community service and youth development through tennis.
“Tennis has given us an education, taken us around the world and allowed us to represent our country and family on the biggest stages.
“LTF wants to provide happiness, hope and a chance at better future for children in Zimbabwe.”
And Courtney added that the clinic they recently had at Marikopo was one of the biggest.
“This is our 11th kids’ day clinic and by far our biggest and first one that we did under the Lock Tennis Foundation. It will be a yearly event,” he said.
“We are looking at continuing our programme at Marikopo and also spreading the game around the country as well.
“We are so proud of what we have done and to see the joy it brought to these kids was an incredible experience.”
