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Throughout the tournament, people will be able to donate their old tennis rackets for children in Africa, and any other sports gear they may no longer want.
The appeal is being held on behalf of the Sam Jalloh Foundation, a charity which was set up by professional tennis coach and former professional tennis star, Sam Jalloh from Sierra Leone.
Now based in Southport, Jalloh devotes much of his time to running sports programmes for underprivileged young people in Sudan and Sierra Leone through his Foundation.
Sam Jalloh explains, “Things are very hard for young people in Sierra Leone. Sadly, the incredible poverty in the country, and the boredom and lack of opportunities that comes with that, means many of them get caught up in gang life, drug use and crime.
“Our foundation provides free sports programmes and sports equipment to young people, to help set them on a different life path.”
Tournament Director, Anders Borg explains of the tournament’s involvement with the charity, “I’ve known Sam for a number of years and have always been very impressed by the incredible work that his charity does.
“We have always been a tournament that gives local youngsters from Liverpool the chance to get involved in what can often be an elitist sport - but this year we wanted to do more, which is why we are hosting the racket appeal for Africa.
“I know that Liverpool is a city with a big heart and I want to encourage as many people as possible to dig out their old rackets, trainers, footballs ... whatever sports equipment they have lying around, and to bring them along to Calderstones Park as it really will make a difference to young people in Africa.”
Equipment can be donated by members of the public throughout the tournament week via a ‘Racket Bank’ which will be located at the tournament’s entrance point in Calderstones Park. Alternatively, donations can be made by contacting Northern Vision on 0151 227 5940.
For more information on the Sam Jalloh Foundation, please visit www.SamJallohSportsFoundation.com
