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2008 GTA Tournament and Social Recap Once again,
the Little Neck Swim and Racquet Club assisted Narh Tetteh’s
yearly used tennis equipment drive by hosting its third
annual Ghana Tennis Abroad tournament. This year’s
tournament began with a featured rematch between Narh and
former tennis rival, Richard Woltmann. Mr. Woltmann,
currently resides in Tampa, Florida. He is a member of
Emerald Greens Golf and Tennis Club where he maintained the
title of men’s singles club champion for most years through
2006. When not playing tennis, he spends his time as
executive director of a legal firm which provides free civil
legal services to low income families throughout the Tampa
area. His firm’s website reads:
Woltmann, attended Rollins College where he played on an NCAA Division II national championship team and was named to the college’s list of all time letter winners. Following college and completion of law school, he volunteered to work in the Peace Corps and was assigned a teaching position in Ghana, West Africa. At that same time, Narh was an aspiring young tennis player, recognized as one of Ghana’s most gifted athletes and promising tennis players. Woltmann met Narh on the tennis courts when competing for the 1972 and 1973 national championship title. While described by Narh as “a fierce competitor with the heart of a lion,” Woltmann lost both matches to Narh. Following these defeats and upon concluding his Peace Corps work, Woltmann decided to stay in Ghana an additional year. He had become enamored with the Ghanaian people whom he described as generous and fun loving. He had been adopted by the Ghana village and dubbed the name “Kofi” (aka, male child born on Friday). Woltmann states that through his teaching experience, he became impressed by the discipline and work ethic of his students. Hence, he focused his work during the additional year on establishing a ten year tennis youth development program, hoping to offer Ghanaian children an opportunity to access competitions, scholarships, etc. Now… fast forward to 2008. Describing himself as somewhat bored one afternoon, and to satisfy his curiosity, Woltmann decided to google Ghana tennis. Imagine his surprise to learn the “blue print” program he initiated so many years ago has continued to the present time through the volunteer efforts of such people as Narh Tetteh. Woltmann recognized Narh’s name and googled further to learn that Narh is now a pro at the Little Neck Swim and Racquet Club. Further research yielded the tournament and fund raising efforts which prompted him to contact Amy Courtney. Woltmann requested to make a donation to assist Narh’s efforts; however, Amy explained that Narh was already in Ghana, making it difficult to forward any additional contributions. She further suggested he might want to contribute to the 2008 event and jokingly added that he could fly in for a rematch. To Amy’s surprise, Woltmann responded, “Tell me the date so I can clear my calendar!” Hence the rematch featuring Narh “Goldenboy” Tetteh and Richard “Kofi” Woltmann was scheduled, September 13, 2008. The weather was hot, but the day was spectacular. The players were introduced to the theme song of “Rocky,” and in true Rocky spirit, each player battled to be the victor. The first set was determined by a tie breaker, but in the end, Narh retained his title. Regularly scheduled tournament play followed and concluded with high point players (Eileen Rosemond, Vani Manickavasagar, Jessica Smith and Kevin Stewart) playing against each other on center court. Over 100 guests were in attendance for the evening dinner and social with guests savoring the traditional Ghanaian food prepared and served by Phyllis Tetteh, Narh’s wife. A chance internet search resulted in this series of events that made GTA 2008 a very special occasion. In addition to attending the tournament and social, Mr. Woltmann spearheaded a similar benefit tournament at Tampa’s Emerald Greens Golf and Tennis Club where used tennis racquets were donated and monies raised. Tampa businesses further volunteered sponsorships, with Tampa tournament and sponsorship monies adding $2,600 to the monies collected at LNSRC. During a short ceremony, Mr. Woltmann addressed the gathering and presented Narh with the monies raised by his club and Tampa business associates. He further read a statement sent by Mr. Jonathan Roosevelt, great, great grandson of Theodore Roosevelt. What does Jonathan Roosevelt have to do with this? Well, that’s another story you’ll have to learn about next year! Hosts of this event are once again grateful to the Patrons and the many sponsors who support the game of tennis. Thank you for contributing and joining us for this special and worthwhile event! We hope to see you all again next year! Amy Courtney, Mavis McKinley, Carla Peay, Sue Flora, and Marilou Kollar **Pictures of the tennis and social were captured by a professional photographer and can be accessed at www.littleneckgta.com.Mr. Woltmann's Remarks as presented at the GTA Social In the early 1970's after graduating from law school and not nearly ready to sit at a desk drafting documents, I joined the Peace Corps and was sent to Ghana in West Africa. I taught English as a second language in a school in a small village without electricity or running water. Near the end of my two year tour, I would often on the weekends make the many hour trek by lorry to the capital , Accra, where I would meet Ghanaian friends at the Accra Tennis Club and play tennis on the red clay under the lights. Occasionally, the top player in West Africa, Narh Tetteh, then about 21, would join us. Narh was well known, well respected, and a national star. I played him twice in the Ghana national championships and,despite my having recently played on a NCAA Division II national championship team, I was beaten handily. Those Ghanaian tennis friends turned out to be leaders in the Ghana government. They asked me to organize a national youth tennis development program set in the secondary schools and to stay past my two year tour of duty to do that. I was thrilled with the opportunity as I loved Ghana, the geography, the history, and the incredibly warm and hospitable people. From the hospitality Kathy and I have received from LNSRC members, I can say your club is truly Ghanaian in its provision of hospitality. After I left Ghana, I often wondered what had become of that program, of my Ghanaian friends, of my tennis 'kids,' and of Narh. Earlier this year I was in the library working and, when finished, decided to 'google' Ghana tennis. That lead to further 'googling' and my learning of Narh's current efforts working with youth tennis development in Ghana, his tennis pro position at Little Neck Swim and Racquet Club, and your Ghana Tennis Abroad fundraising efforts. By email ,I contacted Amy Courtney who was designated as the contact person for donations for the GTA event to ask where to send a donation. When Amy learned of my role in helping to establish that tennis program n the early 1970's, and of my connection to Narh, she enthusiastically started us down the path that resulted in my match with Narh today and in our Tampa effort to join you all in supporting Narh and his efforts in Ghana today. From our event in Tampa, and from contributions from many friends who have listened to my Ghana tales over the years, we raised more than $2000 which we are delighted to give to Narh to use at his discretion to help Ghanaian youth tennis. In my opinion, the most critical thing is to assure Narh's presence there--to impart his tennis knowledge and so he can be the great inspiration to the kids of today that he was to my tennis students of 35 years ago. Also, I would like to share some comments from a special person, Jonathan Roosevelt. Jonathan was one of my and Narh's friends in Ghana at that time. He was attached to the US Embassy. He had played tennis for Harvard, was a Harvard Law school grad, and while in Ghana, Jonathan voluntarily coached the national team on which Narh was the top player. Jonathan was young, energetic, and possessed those traits of vigor of his great grandfather, Teddy Roosevelt . We talked last week and both of us are so impressed with your club's success in securing and holding a great person such as Narh with an international resume that includes matches with Arthur Ashe and Stan Smith. Although he could not be here with us, Jonathon provided me these remarks to read to you: Were I able to be there and if allowed to say something I would say: My family, including three young kids, were in Ghana from 1971 to 1973. It is a country with lots of history and considerable geographic beauty. But the beauty for which it is most cherished is the nature of its people . They are open, welcoming, trustworthy, soulful, spontaneous, and generous just like the Hi Life music for which they are famous. “I know that Narh, whom I got to know through my involvement with the National Tennis Team, is a wonderful ambassador for his countrymen. The readiness and genuineness of his smile as well as the purity of his tennis strokes reflect the grace of his person. I think you are fortunate to have the chance to know him and to learn from him. “I wish I were there with you and Dick to honor and celebrate Narh’s generosity to young Ghanaians and his ties to his country of heritage as well as to his country of adoption. When Amy and Dick contacted me to tell me of Narh’s long involvement with your club and his support of Ghana’s tennis youth I was happily and a bit surprisingly flooded with high-emotion memories of those two years and friends made during that happy time. Thank you, narh, for all the people you have touched and for being the person you are. I hope we do meet again."
Jonathan Roosevelt
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