Kenyan Davis Cup player Ziggy travel to Europe

Hi, friends and family of Beaumaris Lawn Tennis Club

My name is Kevin Cheruiyot from Kenya ( some of you might know me as Ziggy)

I am writing this email to you guys because I need some help to raise funds for my travel to Europe, where I’ll compete in tournaments and train for the upcoming Davis Cup in August this year.

My original plan was to stay here in Melbourne to train, play tournaments develop my game with Daniel and the team at SETA, but when my initial visa was expiring, I had to apply for a new one. Unfortunately, the government have denied my request for any extension. Over the past couple of weeks, I have tried, with Daniel’s help and an immigration lawyer, to challenge the no-stay order by applying for the COVID Working Visa, as there is currently a shortage of tennis coaches in Australia. This visa would have allowed me to stay and work and train for my Davis Cup matches. Despite our best efforts, we have just found out that my new application has also been rejected, so I must leave Melbourne soon.

Therefore, I am forced to go back to Kenya, where things are tough. I won’t have a coach every morning like Duje or Daniel, no balls, no strings, no shoes, no transportation, or no work. Where my family live in Kenya, I have to walk 7km to then catch cheap transportation for $40cent to the closest tennis club; just to practice. I have no hope of improving my tennis, pushing myself and becoming the best version of myself. I will have to choose between having a meal, or paying to train at this club. Most times, I won’t have enough money to do both. I’m always hoping to get a client to coach or have access to a hitting partner for a few days. While I love my family and my birth country, it can’t offer me the opportunities I need to play tennis at a high level and to make my family proud when I play Davis Cup for Kenya.

If I can raise enough funds to go to Europe instead, it would mean the world to me. If I can’t be with you all in Melbourne, at least I can still train appropriately for the Davis Cup. I’m not one to beg for help, but this time I’m praying that the family and friends of Beaumaris can help me out with my fundraising.

I want to better my life , my tennis career, and to gain more experience as a tennis player and as a coach. Then, when I can return to Melbourne, I will have more knowledge to share with the kids. I haven’t given up of returning here, I won’t give up.

I want to come back, I love this community. People are so kind and welcoming. I couldn’t ask to be in a better place than here.

I am looking to raise $6000 for the few months stay in Europe. I will be based in Austria as I have a host family there. The funds raised will be used for tournament entry fees, travel to and from tournaments, accommodation, food, etc. I'll post regular updates on facebook and keep in touch with everyone here.

Any contribution you can make towards my goal would be much appreciated. No matter how small. I will be extremely grateful.

Yours Sincerely,

Kevin ( Ziggy) Cheruiyot