Hi, my name is Galina. I’m an artist, academic researcher and tennis player. I’m trying to raise £10,000 in 10 weeks to support a fantastic tennis community in Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Nigeria, whose courts are in urgent need of resurfacing.

When I was a nervous outsider doing fieldwork in Nigeria for three months last year it was the kindness of the OAU tennis community which kept me going. In spite of extremely limited resources this genuine and enthusiastic group of players not only invited me to join their evening social games, but escorted me safely to and from the courts, and helped me with equipment. I soon learnt how much of an asset they are within the local community. Through their dedication and enthusiasm, the OAU tennis community gives training for local children in the township of Ile-Ife and within the university community, and organises inclusive tournaments as well as inter-university games. Furthermore, the courts are located in an established stadium with potential to hold events for the wider tennis community in Nigeria, having previously hosted the Nigeria Universities Games in 2014. Unfortunately, to do so at the moment is not possible.

The OAU tennis community is under immediate threat as their 3 courts are falling apart following a poorly executed resurfacing job a couple of years ago. There is no more money left to fix them, and in a few months the courts will be unplayable. Have a look at these videos, taken in January 2026.

OAU Court 2

I want to give back to the OAU tennis community by raising funds for a resurface before the next rains destroy the courts. Together with the OAU tennis manager and the OAU sports director, we have found a reputable company with a strong track record of quality resurfacing and a ten year guarantee for a hard court resurface.

The immediate need is for at least one of the courts to be resurfaced in April/May, at a cost of £10,000. We are working closely together to ensure that all monies raised go directly towards resurfacing. Transparent and detailed financial spending records will be made publicly available. Any extra funds will go towards tennis equipment and resurfacing of the other two courts at a later stage.

We have ten weeks to raise £10,000.

Although I won’t be able to do anything spectacular like jumping out of a plane, I am organising an art giveaway of my original oil paintings, prints, and commissions for donors who express an interest by clicking on the 'contact' button. (NB no raffles, sweepstakes, giveaways, or returns on investment are offered in exchange for any donations made to this GoFundMe).

You may have experienced the way tennis can enhance the life of a community, you may have visited under-resourced communities, or you may simply want to donate to help a good cause. If you would like to support the OAU tennis community resurfacing project, anything you can spare in this timescale will be gratefully received.

As a keen tennis player who was thrown a social lifeline in an unfamiliar environment, and who saw the very real local benefits of this friendly and hardworking group, this is a cause very close to my heart. Many thanks for your time reading this.