At least 48 persons, mainly women and girls, one adult male, and a few boys, participated in five hours of exercises aimed at keeping their hearts healthy at the Samuel K. Doe (SKD) Sports Complex tennis court.
The exercise, which was held on Saturday, February 3, included physical training and an introduction to tennis.
The exercise were headed by the technical director of the Liberia Tennis Federation (LTF), Alfred Kandakai, and head coach Jeffery K. Martin. Other coaches were Joseph Martin, Wayland Nornie, and Winston Wreh.
The women and girls, in their predominantly “Go Red” T-shirts, completed their physical exercise from 9:07 – 9:43 a.m.; while the introduction to tennis ran from 9:44 a.m. to 12:56 p.m.
Coaches Kandakai and Jeffery Martin trained the 18 years old and above girls and women; coach Wayland Nornie was responsible for the junior boys and girls; and coaches Joseph Martin and Winston Wreh were responsible for the children.
Some of the lessons taught during the introduction to tennis included throwing, catching, rolling, and using the fore and backhands.
Others included bouncing and using the racket with the less dominant hand, with the dominant hand as well as on the strings of the racket using the less dominant hand, using the inside out format, and tennis stroke among others.
The training was climaxed with a selection of the women and girls, who ended up playing against each other.
“Prevention of heart disease can be done in two ways: a healthy diet and adequate physical training,” Clarine S. Vaughn, the President of Eta Beta Omega, said.
“We are glad to have a successful free one-day tennis clinic for everyone of you as a campaign to fight against heart disease in women and to promote women’s health and wellness. If you are interested in tennis, you can always come to the tennis court.”
For her part, the vice president of Eta Beta Omega, Chiquita Johnson, praised the participants for turning up.
“Thank you for making this ‘Go Red’ Day a success; and let’s keep on exercising to prevent heart disease,” Chiquita said.
Meanwhile, Vaughn reminded Alpha Kappa Alpha members to donate books to the group’s Reading Room at the Chevron Monrovia Park, and advised students to make use of the books and Room.
Vaughn said the Reading Room needs volunteers to read to young children during the weekend, adding that those who wish to volunteer should visit the Chevron Monrovia Park on Providence Island.
Alpha Kappa Alpha is a sisterhood of national and international stature whose members share the same high scholastic and ethical standards, and are leaders in their respective communities who inspire, serve, and empower all with whom they come in contact while addressing the social and economic ills of society.
The Eta Beta Omega Chapter is the first international chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha.
