Saturday, October 26, 2013

Sadili Opens First Red Courts In East Africa!


Re-knowned Coach and co-Director of Evolve9 and Serious Kids Stuff Foundation, Mr. Ronald Pothuizen, and the Tennis Kenya Chairman, Mrs. Paurvi Rawal, today officially opened East Africa’s first purpose-built Under Tens Red Court, at Sadili Oval Sports Academy, in Langata, under the excited eyes of 72 junior players from Kibera and Langata.
Ronald Pothuizen guides a stroke

The Red Courts dubbed The Court Of Dreams, is the first of a long-term partnership, in the development of tennis for children who are ten years and below, a group often forgotten in the game. Through this partnership, Sadili has received funding to further 4 tennis courts through Serious Kids Stuff, receive basic junior training equipment from Topspin (Germany), and shall continue to receive regular technical support towards the training of youth coaches through Evolve9. Although the program is open to all Kenyans, the first beneficiaries at the year-long facility, are children from the slums of Kibera and Langata residents.
Happy expectant faces

Asked for her thoughts, the Director and Head Professional at Sadili said, "We have found found the missing link, and we will perform even better in the game. It is hoped that, the academy can grow into a sustainable program, a beacon of success for other constituencies to follow".
Ronald Pothuizen demonstrates

Red Courts Ready For Action!

Yasin running a successful session



Saturday, October 12, 2013

Henry Ayesiga Earns Scholarship To Top US Tennis Academy

Henry Ayesiga of Sadili Africa Talent Training Academy (SATTA), has begun a three-week training stint at The Junior Tennis Champions Center in College Park, Maryland, in what will be a major boost to his tennis career. The Junior Tennis Champions Center (JTCC) is a world class training program located in Washington DC Metropolitan Area, and was founded in 1999 to provide opportunities to talented junior players from diverse backgrounds. to date, JTCC has been home to 11 national champions in the past 5 years, including Denis Kudla, Junior Ore and Mitchell Frank, who are three of the top U16 Boys in the world. JTCC also boasts five athletes, currently playing professional circuits. JTCC is the USTA's first recognized Regional Tennis Training Center.

Henry on clay court at JTCC
Says HeadPro and Director at Sadili, Dr. Liz Odera, "Henry has worked very hard and remained discipline and consistent. Our new partnership with JTCC, courtesy of NJTL National Manager, Dan Limbago, has ensured that we can finally give him and chance of a lifetime, to train with some of the best in the world." Henry Ayesiga has been the ended 2011 at Number 2 in Under 14 Boys in the Confederation of Africa Tennis (CAT) ranking. He is also the National Secondary Schools Sports Association 2013 Boys Singles Champion and helped his school win the Boys Title at the East Africa School Games in August. Says Henry, "I love my tennis, and I always look for new challenges. Going to JTCC is a big eye opener for me, and I really thank Dan and Dr. Liz for working hard to get this wonderful opportunity, but also Amolo and Carlos for believing in me". Asked if he hopes to become a professional player, Henry hesitates and then says slowly, "Don't get me wrong, I love tennis. But I think I also need to get a good education, so college tennis is the direction for me."

Sadili Oval Sports Academy, a not-for-profit, holds an NJTL - USTA honorary recognition for the great work done with children's tennis and education in East Africa. Sadili remains the most successful tennis academy in the region, producing a large majority of the junior stars, while offering them an opportunity for a solid education.