Tennis Connections for Kenya!
Donation protected
A Seasonal Appeal for
Kenyan Tennis
Friends and Tennis Fanatics,
I am writing to ask you to support a group of young tennis players from a Nairobi slum. Below is the story. But the essence of the ask is this: new tennis balls, old racquets, string, and/or small financial contributions. Your support can make a big difference for these rising stars! Please respond to find out how you can help.
***
I recently visited Kenya for a week of work meetings. On my last day in Nairobi, I happily stumbled upon a slew of red clay-courts near my hotel. There, I found over a dozen youngsters in the midst of a training session. Impressed by the level of skill, I asked the two coaches standing nearby to tell me the stories of their young players. It turns out that the group - boys and girls who ranged from ages 7-16 "“ comes to the courts from a nearby slum on Saturday mornings to practice. The program provides not only tennis instruction, but an educational component and support with setting goals for personal development.
Unable to resist myself, I asked if I could have a hit with some of the players. In turns, I rallied with a prodigious, seven-year old girl (who I'm convinced we'll see one day at Wimbledon), and a slew of young lads. Always looking to get a leg-up for the next Krueger Open, I even managed to fit in a many set of doubles, which my partner Bradley and I took 3-1. After an hour of hitting, I walked away moved not only by the high level of play, remarkable consistency, and excellent form of the young players, but of the good sportsmanship, knowledge of the rules, and sheer love of tennis that I observed in the young players. It was clear that playing tennis was something they loved, and that the game had brought an element of joy into otherwise challenging lives.
But these players need help. The courts were roughshod; baselines were not visible, and the notes had large holes and flimsy tape. The covers were coming off of the balls, many of which looked like they were years old. Aside from the single Babolat that the top players shared among themselves, most of the racquets were out of the 80s and early 90s, which is cool for a throw-back, but not fit for competitive junior players. And I learned from the coaches, Veronica and Nicholas, that there is a dire need for tennis string.
The most moving challenge I heard, however, was that of getting to the courts themselves. Most players take the bus, but, when there is not enough money, things get very difficult. Some walk, which can prove dangerous. Those who live too far away don't come at all. Imagine not being able to play the game you love, because you have no way to reach the courts.
I immediately thought of what I could do to help. I thought of you, my tennis network in D.C. and beyond. It was clear to me that even a small contribution from us could go a long way in helping the young players in Nairobi play more and better tennis. Think of how many times you have tossed out balls after a single hit, or of those racquets in your garage or bag collecting dust, that you haven't used in years. For us, these resources don't matter; for the players I met in Nairobi, they could make a huge impact.
So, now, I am making a direct appeal. I want to send a support package to the players in Nairobi. The coaches told me that the top needs, in descending order of priority, are:
- Balls
- Racquets
- String
There is also a tremendous need for financial support. This support would be used to help cover school and bus fare. It would also be used to support tournament expenses for the most talented players. Excitingly, three players from the group - a 12-year-old boy, and girls of 13 and 15 - are doing quite well and have rising national rankings. They have qualified for a regional tournament in Tanzania, but need help paying for transport and lodging. Your support would help them compete in this and other important tournaments. My goal is to send a big package to the coaches just after the New Year.
It is easy to support. If you are in greater DC, I am happy to come to your house/apartment to pick-up your contribution. If you would like to make a financial contribution, use this "gofundme" crowdfunding site, or reach out and I will let you know where you can send a check.
Finally, if you want to learn more about the group, you can visit their Facebook page here and here. I've also included a few photos of the group at work on the courts. You can see in their faces the joy that tennis gives them. But as many of us know, the benefits of tennis extend well beyond the courts. For these young players, it provides structure, friendship, education, confidence, a sense of accomplishment, and inspiration to set their sights high.
With your support, we can use our shared love of tennis to open up a world of opportunity to these rising stars.
Thanks, and I hope you will support!
Best,
--Daniel
Friends and Tennis Fanatics,
I am writing to ask you to support a group of young tennis players from a Nairobi slum. Below is the story. But the essence of the ask is this: new tennis balls, old racquets, string, and/or small financial contributions. Your support can make a big difference for these rising stars! Please respond to find out how you can help.
***
I recently visited Kenya for a week of work meetings. On my last day in Nairobi, I happily stumbled upon a slew of red clay-courts near my hotel. There, I found over a dozen youngsters in the midst of a training session. Impressed by the level of skill, I asked the two coaches standing nearby to tell me the stories of their young players. It turns out that the group - boys and girls who ranged from ages 7-16 "“ comes to the courts from a nearby slum on Saturday mornings to practice. The program provides not only tennis instruction, but an educational component and support with setting goals for personal development.
Unable to resist myself, I asked if I could have a hit with some of the players. In turns, I rallied with a prodigious, seven-year old girl (who I'm convinced we'll see one day at Wimbledon), and a slew of young lads. Always looking to get a leg-up for the next Krueger Open, I even managed to fit in a many set of doubles, which my partner Bradley and I took 3-1. After an hour of hitting, I walked away moved not only by the high level of play, remarkable consistency, and excellent form of the young players, but of the good sportsmanship, knowledge of the rules, and sheer love of tennis that I observed in the young players. It was clear that playing tennis was something they loved, and that the game had brought an element of joy into otherwise challenging lives.
But these players need help. The courts were roughshod; baselines were not visible, and the notes had large holes and flimsy tape. The covers were coming off of the balls, many of which looked like they were years old. Aside from the single Babolat that the top players shared among themselves, most of the racquets were out of the 80s and early 90s, which is cool for a throw-back, but not fit for competitive junior players. And I learned from the coaches, Veronica and Nicholas, that there is a dire need for tennis string.
The most moving challenge I heard, however, was that of getting to the courts themselves. Most players take the bus, but, when there is not enough money, things get very difficult. Some walk, which can prove dangerous. Those who live too far away don't come at all. Imagine not being able to play the game you love, because you have no way to reach the courts.
I immediately thought of what I could do to help. I thought of you, my tennis network in D.C. and beyond. It was clear to me that even a small contribution from us could go a long way in helping the young players in Nairobi play more and better tennis. Think of how many times you have tossed out balls after a single hit, or of those racquets in your garage or bag collecting dust, that you haven't used in years. For us, these resources don't matter; for the players I met in Nairobi, they could make a huge impact.
So, now, I am making a direct appeal. I want to send a support package to the players in Nairobi. The coaches told me that the top needs, in descending order of priority, are:
- Balls
- Racquets
- String
There is also a tremendous need for financial support. This support would be used to help cover school and bus fare. It would also be used to support tournament expenses for the most talented players. Excitingly, three players from the group - a 12-year-old boy, and girls of 13 and 15 - are doing quite well and have rising national rankings. They have qualified for a regional tournament in Tanzania, but need help paying for transport and lodging. Your support would help them compete in this and other important tournaments. My goal is to send a big package to the coaches just after the New Year.
It is easy to support. If you are in greater DC, I am happy to come to your house/apartment to pick-up your contribution. If you would like to make a financial contribution, use this "gofundme" crowdfunding site, or reach out and I will let you know where you can send a check.
Finally, if you want to learn more about the group, you can visit their Facebook page here and here. I've also included a few photos of the group at work on the courts. You can see in their faces the joy that tennis gives them. But as many of us know, the benefits of tennis extend well beyond the courts. For these young players, it provides structure, friendship, education, confidence, a sense of accomplishment, and inspiration to set their sights high.
With your support, we can use our shared love of tennis to open up a world of opportunity to these rising stars.
Thanks, and I hope you will support!
Best,
--Daniel
Organizer
Daniel Balke
Organizer
Washington D.C., DC
