The 2nd Annual “Big Mo” Invitational Tennis Tournament, organized by the Donkor Tennis and Education Foundation (DTEF), recently filled Ayi Mensah with the vibrant energy of young talent and community spirit. Over four days, players aged 10 to 21 competed for a share of the $5,000 prize pool, with the event supported by sponsors such as Lisa O’Connor and the Junior Tennis Champions Center (JTCC).

Michelle Donkor, co-founder of DTEF, shared her pride in the progress of the young athletes. “The improvement this year has been phenomenal,” she remarked, observing how players have grown in skill and confidence.

While some adjustments, like age-specific categories, sparked discussion among families, Michelle sees these changes as vital to fostering fair play. “We want the kids to compete with integrity,” she noted, emphasizing the Foundation’s mission to set new standards for youth tennis in Ghana.

Foundation founder and former Davis Cup star Isaac Donkor views the tournament as a crucial opportunity for young athletes in Ghana, where tennis resources are scarce. By introducing prize money, he hopes to help players cover essentials such as racquets and transportation. “The prize fund inspires a new level of competition,” he said, noting how players’ performance has soared since last year.

Beyond the court, the Foundation is committed to supporting education. Plans are in place to build an on-site classroom where players can study before training, reflecting the belief that tennis instills life lessons. “Education and parental involvement are key,” Michelle added, stressing the importance of holistic development for the youth.

Looking ahead, Isaac and Michelle envision a future where the Foundation hosts more tournaments and clinics, with dreams of seeing a player from their program compete in a Grand Slam someday.