The ATA held a special ceremony at its facility in Blowing Point, on July 24th 2019, to announce that Kohn Richardson has been awarded a tennis athletic scholarship to attend Johnson C. Smith University in the Fall of 2019. The ceremony was chaired by Ms. DeLeon Richardson and supported by family, friends, local and international coaches, sponsors, ATA parents and students and members.
Kohn Richardson joined the ATA program at the tender age of five (5). From the first day he entered the program, Kohn demonstrated a keen interest and love for the game. Throughout his tenure at the ATA, he exhibited a strong and consistent work ethic towards improving his game. He also volunteered his time towards helping the younger children in the program. Kohn worked hard and remained dedicated to his dream on one day going to university on a tennis athletic scholarship. His dream is now realized because of his determination, discipline, and dedication to the sport. Kohn Richardson, in his address to the over 100 persons in attendance, said: “You owe it to yourself to live the life you have always dreamed about. Patience, determination and dedication, three important values I exercised that got me here.”
The ATA, under the leadership of Mitch Lake has provided student graduates with opportunities to pursue higher education. This is the 13th scholarship awarded to graduates of the program. Since Mr. Lake introduced the tennis athletic scholarship program for graduates to attend University, he has worked closely with Mr. Chris Wade, Athletic Director of T Bar M, to provide more than US$1.2 million in scholarship aid to ATA students to attend University on a four (4) year program. Mr. Lake in his remarks said: “The ATA has made a positive impact in the lives of children over the past 24 years. It is my hope that the Anguillan community embraces it wholeheartedly and the ATA be recognized as a social pillar of excellence in Anguilla.”
Chris Wade, Director of Tennis at T Bar M, Dallas Texas affirms that “Kohn is great tennis player who will make a positive contribution to Johnson C. Smith University, Golden Bulls tennis team. He is a role model for the younger tennis players and an ambassador for the Anguilla Tennis Academy.” Jason Allen, Manager of Wheel Chair and Technical for the USTA, said: “It brings me such joy to see one of my first students in Anguilla back in 2005 now move on to pursue their university studies. Kohn has turned into an exemplary young man. No one can deny the huge impact that the ATA has had in Anguilla in the past 24 years. We all look forward to helping other children get scholarships as well.”
Head Coach of Johnson C. Smith University, Mr. Timothy Hunter, stated, “We are excited and can’t wait to have Kohn Richardson attend Johnson C. Smith University. We feel he will have an instant impact on our tennis program. He’s a strong player that will push our players to be better. Although he has the skills we’re looking for, we’re more impressed with his character. We’re sure he will excel on and off the court. Again, we are proud Kohn is attending Johnson C. Smith University.”
Kohn and his family are exceedingly grateful for this blessing. They are very grateful to Mitch Lake, Coach Chris Wade, Coach Jason Allen and the ATA coaches. They also extended special thanks to all who supported the ceremony and encouraged the Anguillian community to support the efforts of the Anguilla Tennis Academy.
Mrs. Sandra Richardson delivered the vote of thanks and stated: “My husband, Chris and I, applaud Mitch Lake (Founder) for seeding the idea of the Anguilla Tennis Academy and pulling others along with him in ensuring its germination and development over the past twenty-four years. He is being lauded for his selflessness and tenacity in bringing discipline to the lives of our local children through the use of the tennis sport; and the expansive reach of the academy to the point where it continues to receive international recognition. Hence, the exercise today is being witnessed by tennis officials representing international tennis organizations. No one can distort or efface the undeniable impact the Academy has on the building of our nation. Indeed, to build lives is representative of building nations.”
The Anguilla Tennis Academy (“ATA”) is a nonprofit organization established under the laws of Anguilla. For the past twenty-four (24) years, the ATA has been introducing tennis to the island of Anguilla as well as other surrounding countries. Since inception in 1996, more than 4000 children have benefitted from its programs.
