December 5, 2005
By Tammy O'Reilly
AT A time in the 1970s when there was little distraction from the poverty and political turmoil playing itself out in Soweto, tennis champion Arthur Ashe generously lent his name and money to a centre in the township where the game could be enjoyed.
Thirty years on, the face of Soweto has changed. Much has also changed at the Arthur Ashe Tennis Centre.
Where there was once eight marked and netted cement tennis courts, ablution facilities and space for spectators there is now an improvised braai place and a location of crime and other unpleasant activities.
Only the shells of the original building still stand. The parallel tennis courts are strewn with broken glass and pieces of wire fencing are a further obstruction. There are metre-deep holes suspiciously dug up on the property and vast amounts of construction rubble hamper the growth of any flora.
The sod turning ceremony, with Johannesburg Executive Mayor Amos Masondo, marks the start of reconstruction of the Arthur Ashe Tennis Centre
But come June 2006, the Arthur Ashe Tennis Centre will be restored to its former glory; R4,5-million has been raised to reconstruct the site, add on new features and restore the existing courts.
There will be new ablution facilities and separate restrooms for umpires. A clubhouse with bar facilities and a lounge leading on to a terrace overlooking the courts will also be built, along with a small soccer field, and designated braai and recreation areas. A number of trees will also be planted at the site.
Funding for the project came from the National Lottery Distribution Trust fund and the Gauteng provincial government. The City of Johannesburg has undertaken to appoint a full-time site caretaker and provide the necessary maintenance and security, including fencing the perimeter.
Speaking at the sod-turning ceremony, Ian Smith, the chief executive of the SA Tennis Association, said the new centre would go a long way towards promoting and developing tennis in Soweto.
"The rebuilding of the Arthur Ashe Tennis Centre is central to our goal of introducing the game to the previously disadvantaged communities, identifying and nurturing new talent and ultimately ensuring that South Africa produces a galaxy of new stars and champions."
Arthur Ashe was the first black man to win the US Open and Wimbledon and was a spirited anti-apartheid protester.
"The mere mention of his name evokes admiration in this township," said Executive Mayor Councillor Amos Masondo.
"We are looking forward to resurrecting this building and his name so that the kids here can have a new role model. I am sure Arthur Ashe would be very pleased if the next black Wimbledon winner trained at the very centre which he built all those years ago."
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