Thierry Ntwali, a Rwandan tennis professional, received the International Trailblazer Award at the Tennis Black List Awards for his influential role in developing tennis in East and Central Africa. With a rich sports background, he has worked tirelessly since 2011 as the ITF Development Officer, making significant contributions to the sport. The awards event celebrates black excellence in tennis and aims to inspire future generations.
A Rwandan tennis professional, Thierry Ntwali, was recently honored for his outstanding contributions to the sport at the Tennis Black List Awards. Based in Sweden, Ntwali has served as the ITF Development Officer for East and Central Africa since 2011, making significant strides in promoting tennis in the region through support for national federations and top-tier tournaments. His initiatives include programs like the Junior Tennis Initiative, demonstrating his commitment to tennis development.
Ntwali’s background in the Rwandan sports community is extensive. He’s taken on various roles, such as the Technical Director of the Rwanda Tennis Federation, national coach, and even the Davis Cup captain. Notably, he was the Chef de Mission for Rwanda during the 2008 Beijing Olympics, showcasing his leadership on international stages.
At this year’s Tennis Black List awards, held on June 11 at The Queen’s Club in London, Ntwali was awarded the prestigious International Trailblazer Award. The ceremony, in association with Dante Talent and supported by the LTA, celebrates black excellence in tennis. Ntwali expressed his gratitude upon receiving the award, highlighting the honor it brings not just to him but to the entire East and Central African region as well.
“It is an honor to receive the International Trailblazer award from the Tennis Black List,” he stated. Ntwali went on to emphasize the importance of recognition for the often-overlooked efforts in developing tennis in emerging communities. He believes this recognition validates the collective efforts to promote the sport’s growth and inspire local participation.
The Tennis Black List is a global initiative focused on celebrating contributions from the Black and mixed-black tennis community, covering everything from grassroots initiatives to the professional sphere. It takes place just before the famed Wimbledon Championships and is reminiscent of successful movements like the Football Black List and Rugby Black List, which have proven effective in amplifying black excellence in sports.
The event aims to motivate young athletes within the tennis community by acknowledging the achievements of role models in the sport. Ten award categories were featured during the evening, with many recipients present at the ceremony. Founders Anne-Marie Batson and Richard Sackey Addo articulated the movement’s intent, stating, “This movement is about legacy. Tennis Black List is creating space for Black and mixed-black heritage excellence to be seen, honored, and remembered across all areas of tennis. We are building a global legacy that makes space for what is next.”
Since its launch in 2022, the Tennis Black List has established itself as the only global platform dedicated to honoring Black and mixed-black contributions to tennis. The initiative focuses on celebrating cultural accomplishments and the lasting impact of individuals who influenced the sport from grassroots to the elite level.
In summary, Thierry Ntwali’s recognition at the Tennis Black List Awards underscores the critical advancements in tennis development within East and Central Africa. As a longstanding advocate for the sport, Ntwali’s achievements serve as an inspiration for future generations. The Tennis Black List initiative continues to honor contributions and excellence, fostering a legacy of representation and cultural celebration in tennis.
Original Source: www.greenocktelegraph.co.uk
