The 2nd Annual “Big Mo” Invitational Tennis Tournament, hosted by the Donkor Tennis and Education Foundation (DTEF), has once again brought a buzz of energy and community spirit to Ayi Mensah.

Featuring competition in under-10 to under-21 age groups, the four-day tournament was more than a showcase of young tennis talent. With support from sponsors like Lisa O'Connor and the Junior Tennis Champions Center (JTCC), this year’s event offered a $5,000 prize pool, attracting young athletes with dreams that extend far beyond the court.

Co-founder Michelle Donkor expressed her pride in the players’ growth over the past year. “The improvement in the kids, especially here, has been phenomenal,” she said. 

However, the tournament isn’t without its challenges. Implementing rules like age-specific categories stirred debate among players and parents, but Michelle sees it as essential for fair play and integrity in the sport.

“We want the kids to compete honestly,” she said, noting how the Foundation has worked to establish new standards for youth tennis in Ghana.

Former Davis Cup star and Foundation founder Isaac Donkor sees this event as a stepping stone for young athletes in Ghana, where tennis opportunities are often limited. He highlighted the value of introducing prize money to incentivize players, explaining that “juniors need money…for racquets, strings, and transportation.” 

This addition, he says, not only aids in nurturing local talent but also builds a competitive edge. “The level from last year to this year is totally different,” he noted, seeing firsthand how the promise of financial support is driving young athletes to reach new heights.

Beyond tennis, the Foundation aims to make a lasting impact on education and community support. Plans are already underway to build a classroom on-site, where players can complete homework before training sessions. “We believe tennis can teach life lessons,” Michelle added, pointing out the need for parental support and educational facilities to foster balanced development.

Looking to the future, Isaac and Michelle envision the Foundation expanding with more tournaments and youth clinics, hoping one day to witness a player from their program reach the Grand Slam stage.