Growing up in an inner-city community can often seem daunting, with limited opportunities in line of sight.

Providing an escape from their less favourable realities is tennis, which four young boys – 12-year-old Malique Adlam from Airy Castle, 10-year-old Ajani Robinson from Rollington Town, along with 10-year-old Kevanne Williams and his little brother, four-year-old David Williams from Kintyre, all play. Offering a boost to their tennis endeavours is Sprint Financial Services, which pledged $250,000 towards tennis coaching for the boys at the Jamaica Pegasus facilities.

Christopher Barrett, CEO of Sprint Financial Services, who is an avid tennis player himself, shared: “My father bought me my first tennis racquet at nine years old and I fell in love with the sport ever since. So, when we learned about these kids that had an interest in the sport but did not have the means to further their skills, it was an easy decision for Sprint Financial to help out in this way.”

Though from different communities, these boys share a desire and love for the sport, when introduced to playing the sport at their respective schools.

“Tennis promotes discipline, skill, focus, and a sense of personal responsibility – being a one-on-one sport. This is especially good for kids as it hones and exercises their mental toughness. Not to mention that tennis is a club sport that often allows for the opportunity for them to mix with kids from different backgrounds and these relationships can last a lifetime,” said Barrett.

DREAM TO BECOME PROFESSIONAL TENNIS PLAYER

Adlam, who is a student at the Mannings Hill Primary School has been playing the sport since the age of eight years old. He was drawn to sport after seeing a match with Rafael Nadal and his interest never went away. Currently living with his single mother and other siblings, his dream is to become a professional tennis player and represent Jamaica in the Davis Cup.

“Since Malique has started playing tennis, I have seen many positive changes in his interactions with his peers and adults. He is more focused and shows a strong attitude towards his schoolwork,” said Tamara Lovelace, Adlam’s mother.

She continued: “I’m very grateful to Sprint Financial Services for seeing the potential in my son and giving him this opportunity. Their contribution will ease a financial burden off me and allow Malique to follow his dreams.”

Similarly, Robinson, who attends the Jessie Repoll Primary, is from a single-parent home. He hopes to take the Primary Exit Profile (PEP) examinations and move on to Kingston College and represent his school then subsequently move to represent Jamaica on a larger platform.

Kevanne Williams is a student at New Providence Primary School. He lives with his father and his little brother Josh wo recently started playing. The brothers are both enthusiastic about the sport and aspire to making the national team one day. Kevanne also wants to start his own business that will help to take care of his family.

“These four boys share a similar financial struggle and living a community with limited access to resources. We recognise the importance establishing relationships through sports from an early age and are excited to see these boys pick up on their training, grow into fine young men, and reaching their full potential,” commented Barrett.