Rwandan Tennis Professional Honored at Tennis Black List Awards

Thierry Ntwali, a Rwandan tennis professional now in Sweden, has been awarded the International Trailblazer Award at the Tennis Black List Awards for his contributions to tennis development in East and Central Africa. The awards, held on June 11, 2023, at The Queen’s Club in London, celebrate Black and mixed-black excellence in tennis, recognizing achievements from grassroots to professional levels.

A Rwandan tennis professional now residing in Sweden, Thierry Ntwali, has received notable recognition for his significant contributions to the sport at the recent Tennis Black List Awards. The event took place during the HSBC Championships at The Queen’s Club in London on June 11, 2023. Ntwali, who has served as the ITF Development Officer for East and Central Africa since 2011, was honored with the International Trailblazer Award for his work in promoting and developing tennis across the region.

Ntwali’s impressive career includes various leadership roles within Rwanda’s sports community. He has served as the Technical Director of the Rwanda Tennis Federation, a national coach, and the Executive Director of the National Olympic Committee. His experience also extends to representing Rwanda as Chef de Mission at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, showcasing his longstanding commitment to furthering tennis in Rwanda.

In receiving the International Trailblazer award, Ntwali expressed his heartfelt gratitude. “It is an honour to receive the International Trailblazer award from the Tennis Black List. I am proud, humbled, and filled with gratitude,” he stated. He continued to emphasize the importance of his recognition, noting, “This award reinforces the belief that with commitment, collaboration and a shared vision, we can break barriers and create lasting change.”

The Tennis Black List is dedicated to celebrating Black and mixed-black excellence within the sport, spotlighting both unsung heroes and visionary figures. The initiative, which leads up to Wimbledon each year, recognizes contributions ranging from grassroots to professional levels, both in Britain and internationally. This celebration is inspired by similar successful platforms, such as the Football Black List and Rugby Black List, which focus on recognizing Black excellence in their respective sports.

On this occasion, awards were distributed across ten categories, honoring the remarkable efforts of individuals and organizations alike. The founders, Anne-Marie Batson and Richard Sackey Addo, articulated the movement’s vision: “This movement is about legacy. Tennis Black List is creating space for Black and mixed-black heritage excellence to be seen, honoured, and remembered across all areas of tennis.”

Since its launch in 2022, the Tennis Black List has established itself as a unique platform aimed at celebrating and chronicling Black and mixed-black contributions to tennis—from grassroots organizers to elite players. This movement is deeply rooted in recognition and cultural celebration, aiming to forge a lasting legacy for future generations in the sport.

In conclusion, Thierry Ntwali’s acknowledgment at the Tennis Black List Awards highlights his significant role in promoting tennis in East and Central Africa. His commitment over the years is commendable and reflects broader efforts to elevate Black excellence within the sport. The Tennis Black List itself serves as an important platform recognizing contributions from varied levels, reinforcing the need for representation in tennis and inspiring future talent.

Original Source: www.greenocktelegraph.co.uk