As part of a planned African Tour, tennis icons, Serena and Venus Williams Tuesday arrived the shores of Nigeria as they begin a three-day visit to Lagos, from Tuesday October 30 to Friday, November 2.
Their visit is part of tour concerning the recently launched ‘‘Breaking The Mould’’ (BTM) campaign, a women’s empowerment initiative that has already garnered international support.
The visit to Nigeria of the tennis idols is majorly facilitated by Chain Reaction, a Public Relation outfit, with support from other partners, including the Lagos state government.
Explaining the rationale behind the visit of the William Sisters, Lere Ojedokun, group head, communications services, Chain Reactions Nigeria, said the sisters are in Nigeria to inspire young talents, particularly the women folk.
“While in Lagos, the dynamic duo will inspire, motivate and mentor a broad range of audiences through a series of supporting initiatives which include a gala dinner, a tennis clinic and an exhibition match which will also be the first time the sisters will pitch their strengths against each other on the tennis court anywhere in Africa,” Mr Ojedokun explained in a press statement
According to the roster of event for sisters who are lodged at the Federal Palace Hotels, Victoria Island, the sisters will Wednesday morning pay a courtesy call to the Lagos State Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola who only recently reiterated the need for more support for tennis at the just concluded Governors Cup Championships.
After the visit to the governor, the tennis stars will address a press conference at the Marquee (Federal Palace Hotel) and then head to the Ikoyi Club for a tennis clinic for selected kids and individuals.
Mr Ojedokun further explained that the intent of Breaking The Mould initiative is to recognise and acknowledge the role women play in shifting perceptions and encouraging development at all levels across the African continent
“Breaking The Mould is an inspiring mechanism to help women at various life stages to embark on a journey of self-belief so that they can know that indeed they can achieve anything once they set their hearts to it” he further said in a press statement.
Serena and Venus are tagged role ‘Mould Breakers’ having gone through the crucibles of life to become what they are today.
As ‘Champions of Change’, organisers say the duo are coming to Lagos to encourage more women to break moulds that have stood between them and their potentials.
