Huge Turnout for First 2017 Sadili 8-Series Tournament

On Saturday 11^th March 2017 a record of eighty-one kids gathered at Sadili Oval and the Kibera Tennis Court for the 8-series Junior Tennis Challenge 1. This was the first tournament since 2017 began and the kids, mainly from Kibera and part of the Court of Dreams programme, braved the hot sun in Nairobi to showcase their talents.

The tournament, run under a Sadili/International Inspiration partnership, was sponsored by Wilson Sporting Goods, Sadili Oval and Comic Relief among others.

The following are the results:

U-6 Boys

Blue Team

Eugene Michael vs Lawrence Opiyo 6/7
Eugene Michael vs Ramsey Fred 10/11
Lawrence Opiyo vs Ramsey Fred 11/10
Ramsey Fred vs Joseph Odhiambo 11/10

Joseph Odhiambo vs Eugene Michael 4/11
Lawrence Opiyo vs Joseph Odhiambo11/7

Winners: Lawrence Opiyo, Eugene Michael, Ramsey Fred

U-6 Girls

Red Team

Shantel Adatia vs Michelle Akinyi 9/11
Shantel Adatia vs Mary Noel 11/3
Mary Noel vs Laureen Adongo 7/6

Winner: Shantel Adatia
Runner up: Michelle Akinyi

Blue Team

Effie Achieng Vs Nicole Stacy 11/7
Effie Achieng vs Shany Akasa 9/11
Effie Achieng vs Hellen Nabiso 8/11
Nicole Stacy vs Hellen Nabiso 8/11

Shany Akasa vs Hellen Nabiso  6/11

Winner: Hellen Nabiso
Runner up: Effie Achieng

Green Team

Stella Muhaya Vs Linet Akoth11/10
Stella Muhaya vs Sheila Awuor11/8

Winner: Stella Muhaya
Runner up: Linet Akoth

U-8 Boys

Red Team

Michael Owino vs Stephen Oduor 11/10
Michael Owino vs Fidel Odhiambo 10/11
Michael Owino vs Solomon Oduor 11/9
Stephen Oduor vs Fidel Odhiambo 10/11
Stephen Oduor vs Solomon Oduor 10/11

Fidel Odhiambo vs Solomon Oduor 11/5

Winner: Fidel Odhiambo
Runner up: Michael Owino

Blue Team

Austine Ochieng vs David Omondi 11/10
James Collo vs Austine Ochieng 3/11
Brighton Shikokoti vs Austine Ochieng 7/11
David Omondi vs Brighton Shikokoti 11/8

David Omondi vs James Collo 8/11
James Collo vs Brighton Shikokoti 8/11

Winner: Austine Ochieng
Runner up: David Omondi

Yellow Team

Newton Ochieng vs Hope Nicodemus 7/11
Newton Ochieng vs Desmond Elliot 9/11
Newton Ochieng vs Javan Onyango 3/11
Hope Nicodemus vs Desmond Elliot 5/11
Hope Nicodemus vs Javan Onyango 10/11

Desmond Elliot vs Javan Onyango 4/11

Winner: Desmond Elliot
Runner up: Javan Onyango

Green Team

Dennis Odhiambo vs Emmanuel Omondi 10/11
Walcott Otieno vs Dennis Odhiambo 11/8
Brian Odhiambo vs Dennis Odhiambo 11/7
Emmanuel Omondi vs Brian Odhiambo 6/11

Emmanuel Omondi vs Walcott Otieno 11/4
Walcott Otieno vs Brian Odhiambo 11/10

Winner: Walcott Otieno
Runner up: Brian Odhiambo

U-8 Girls

Yellow Team

Stella Achieng vs Stella Mokaya 10/11
Condoleezza Atieno vs Stella Achieng 11/10

Stella Achieng vs Mariam Rabayo 11/9
Condoleezza Atieno vs Stella Mokaya 11/6

Condoleezza Atieno vs Mariam Rabayo 11/5

Mariam Rabayo vs Stella Mokaya 9/11

Winner: Condoleezza Atieno
Runner up: Stella Mokaya

Green Team

Cynthia Atieno vs Sheila Awuor11/9
Cynthia Atieno vs Michelle Atieno 11/9
Cynthia Atieno vs Alice Achieng 11/10
Sheila Awuor vs Alice Achieng 9/11
Sheila Awuor vs Michelle Atieno 11/7

Michelle Atieno vs Alice Achieng 7/11

Winner: Cynthia Atieno
Runner up: Alice Achieng

U-10 Boys

Red Team

Emmanuel Onyango vs Eliah Obaa 0/2
Emmanuel Onyango vs George Otieno 0/2

Emmanuel Onyango Newton Otieno 2/0
George Otieno vs Newton Otieno 2/0
George Otieno vs Eliah Obaa 0/2

Eliah Obaa vs Newton Otieno 2/0

Winner: Eliah Obaa
Runner up: George Otieno

Green Team

Stephen Oduor vs Christopher Oluong 2/1
Stephen Oduor vs Samuel Otieno 2/1
Stephen Oduor vs Fidel Otieno 2/1
Samuel Otieno vs Fidel Otieno 0/2
Samuel Otieno vs Christopher Oluong  0/2

Christopher Oluong vs Fidel Otieno 2/1

Winner: Stephen Oduor
Runner up: Christopher Oluong

U-10 Girls

Red Team

Rosemeline Akinyi vs Phelina Vaga 2/0
Phelina Vaga vs Trisha Atieno 0/2
Trisha Atieno vs Rosemeline Akinyi 0/2
Rosemeline Akinyi vs Angela Alwanga 0/2

Trisha Atieno vs Angela Alwanga 0/2

Phelina Vaga vs Angela Alwanga 0/2

Winner: Angela Alwanga
Runner up: Rosemeline Akinyi

Green Team

Audrey Achieng vs Margaret Atieno 1/2

Winner: Margaret Atieno
Runner up: Audrey Achieng

U-12 Boys

Red Team

Julius Wanjala vs Fred Rooney 2/1
Fred Rooney vs Isaac Ndambuki 2/0
Isaac Ndambuki vs Julius Wanjala 1/2
Julius Wanjala vs David Oluoch 2/0

Isaac Ndambuki vs David Oluoch 0/2

Fred Rooney vs David Oluoch 2/1

Winner: Julius Wanjala
Runner up: Fred Rooney

Green Team

Allan Felix vs Patel Otieno 0/2

Allan Felix vs Michael Arize 0/2
Allan Felix vs Brian Ochieng 1/2

Michael Arize vs Brian Ochieng 2/1
Brian Ochieng vs Patel Otieno 0/2

Michael Arize vs Patel Otieno 1/2

Winner: Patel Otieno
Runner up: Michael Arize

Blue Team

Sanchez Odhiambo vs Henry Otieno 0/2

Sanchez Odhiambo vs Mecky Okendo 2/0
Sanchez Odhiambo vs Samson Mike 0/2

Mecky Okendo vs Samson Mike 0/2
Samson Mike vs Henry Otieno 0/2

Mecky Okendo vs Henry Otieno 0/2

Winner: Henry Otieno
Runner up: Samson Mike

Yellow Team

Edward Odogo vs Vincent Otieno 2/0

Edward Odogo vs Samuel Onyango 2/0
Samuel Onyango vs Vincent Otieno 1/2

Winner: Edward Odogo
Runner up: Vincent Otieno

U-12 Girls

Red Team

Mary Asiko vs Fanice Achieng 7/11
Mary Asiko vs Aphline Britney 11/7

Mary Asiko vs Anne Katile 11/1

Aphline Britney vs Anne Katile 11/4

Anne Katile vs Fanice Achieng 4/11

Aphline Britney vs Fanice Achieng 6/11

Winners: Fanice Achieng & Mary Asiko

Green Team

Scovia Nafula Vs Lydia Valery 2/1

Winner: Scovia Nafula

Congratulations to all the winners!

The day was then topped off with lunch for all the kids and some refreshing beverages. 

The Sadili 8- Series Junior Tennis Challenge is a tournament for U6, U8, U10 & U12 kids (all levels), with Tennis Africa Cup ranking. It is intended to encourage beginner-intermediate juniors to play competitions and was initiated by tennis professional, Dr. Liz Odera.

We are grateful to everyone who took part in the tournament, our sponsors and those who helped organise and run the event – Sadili Oval Staff.

 

 

2016 EA Safari Junior Tennis Camp: Paticipant Experience

The EA Safari Junior Tennis Camp at Sadili Oval Sports Academy is much more than just a sports camp; it’s also a friendship-forming and character-building experience that leaves participants wishing for more at the end of it. The 2016 edition came to a close on Wednesday 18^th August. Here’s what some of the participants had to say about their experiences.

Nina Saitoti, Age: 16, Nairobi – More than just great training

Nina started playing tennis at the age of 13, but until the Smashers Challenge on 14^th August 2016, she had never participated in any tournament. This was her first time at the Safari Junior Tennis camp. This is what she had to say: 

“I came to know of the tennis camp through Sadili’s website of which I’m a regular visitor. The moment I knew it would be happening, I did not hesitate to sign up because I have always wanted to improve my skills in tennis. Before I came, all I pictured was some good tennis training, but I got more than just that.  Everyone I met was warm and very friendly: the campers and staff alike. I also can’t believe how much my skills have improved in such a short time. I used to train in school, but it was not as good as what I got here. Dr. Liz made me realize just how much I didn’t know about tennis. There are so many things I heard from her that I have never heard from any of my coaches before. I hope to get more training here [at Sadili] even after the camp; this is something I will have to discuss with my parents.”

Shana Mao, Age: 11, Arusha – Great experience

Shana has been playing tennis since 2014 and is the current number one tennis player in the Under 12 category in Tanzania.  Just like Nina, this was her first time at the Camp. This is what she had to say:

“The experience at Safari Junior Tennis Camp is one that I will never forget, despite the fact that I was only there for a week. I was the only Tanzanian, but I still had a sense of belonging. The staff members at Sadili are super… I actually thought of all of them as friends. I cannot thank them enough for all the kindness they provided for the campers. I get tennis training in Tanzania but I have never met anyone like Dr. Liz. She has a very keen eye and is quick to point out the little mistakes we make when playing. She always had something new to teach us every day, and I think that’s what makes her unique. I hope to come again next year and experience it all over again.”

John Onyango, Age: 17, Kisumu – Going back home a better player

John has been playing tennis since he was 11 years old. At the age of 12, he participated in the East Africa Safari Junior Tennis Camp for the first time and played for the first time in a tournament: the EA Junior Open, in the U14 category. He was the first runner’s up in the tournament. He also participated in the Kisumu Open series in the same year and won.  He came to this year’s camp on scholarship. This is what he had to say about this years’ camp:

“Since the first time I attended a camp here at Sadili, I have always wanted to be back. When I got information on Facebook that Sadili would be offering scholarships for this year’s edition, I did not hesitate to apply, and I was very excited when I got it. This year’s edition was particularly special because there were separate life skills sessions for campers, something that wasn’t there the last time I came. I get training back at home [in Kisumu], but it’s a lot different from what I got here at Sadili. The training at home is very basic, as we are not taught anything more than how to hit balls back and forth. The camp may not have lasted that long, but I’m happy that I have learnt a great deal from Dr. Liz, Coach Kats and the rest of the players at the camp, and I will be going back home a much better player.”

Wycliffe Okenye, 17, Nairobi – Keeps coming

Wycliffe won this year's Smashers Challenge Cup U18/21 category. He’s been playing tennis since he was 11 and played his first tournament at the age of 12. Here’s his story:

“I have been attending Safari Junior Tennis Camps since I was 12. I consider Sadili my second home because this is where I discovered I could actually play tennis. Tennis camps at Sadili have always been fun and action-packed and this year’s edition was no different. I was more than thrilled when I got a scholarship to come for it because I knew the kind of training I would get. I’m very grateful to Dr. Liz and Coach Kats for the wonderful training they gave us during the camp and I’m looking forward to coming again next year.”

17th Annual East Africa Safari Junior Tennis Camp Kicks off at Sadili Oval Sports Academy

NAIROBI, August 8, 2016- The 17^th edition of the annual East African Safari Junior Tennis Camp kicks off today at Sadili Oval Sports Centre in Lang’ata, Nairobi, with a select 20 talented children and youth aged between 6 and 18 years from the entire East African region including Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. The young stars have assembled at the Sports Centre for training and competition that is expected to run until 20^th August 2016.

The Camp this year is proud to host guest coach Mr. Katsuya Otsu, a graduate of the world famous Bolletieri Tennis Academy, professor at the Tokai University’s Department of Sport & Leisure Management and member of the Japan Olympic Academy (JOA). He will spend the second week of the camp working along Kenya’s Dr. Liz Odera and her team. A Tester and Clinician, Liz is currently a member of the PTR International Committee, representing Africa and Provider for Kenya. She was celebrated as a ChangeMakeHer, one of the world’s most influential and inspiring women of 2011 (Ashoka ChangeMaker). Liz is currently taking sport and schooling to world class level by providing a platform for individual talented African athletes to live their dreams, something never before attempted successfully in the region. 

The Safari Junior Tennis Camp also marks the media launch of “Court of Dreams”, a program in which Sadili’s team of coaches, communicators and social educators are engaging a first batch of 640 children in the Kibera Slums in a new partnership with International Inspiration and Comic Relief that will see 2100 children learn tennis, and improve schooling through better hygiene skills. Sadili will also reopen the newly revamped “Court of Dreams” facility at the academy, a facility originally jointly built and named by re-knowned Coach and co-Director of Evolve 9 and Serious Kids Stuff Foundation, Ronald Pothuizen.

Media, friends and partners are invited to visit the camp, which will include the following activities:

8–12 August 2016: Camp Week 1:

9.00 a.m. – 3.00 p.m. at Sadili Oval Sports Academy

3.00 p.m – 6.00 p.m. at Kibera Tennis & Sport Court in Katwekera, Kibera

Thursday 11 August 2016: 3.00 p.m. – 6.30 p.m.: media and partner visit to Court of Dreams project in Kibera, play paddle tennis at the Court of Dreams at Sadili, followed by refreshments at Sadili Oval.

13–14 August 2016: Smashers Challenge Cup No. 4 Tournament at Karen Country Club, sponsored by RentWorks, for players in U12, U14, U16, U18 and U21. This is a Tennis Africa Cup ranking tournament as well as a qualifying Masters event towards the Champions Bowl Finals (Spain, Oct 2016).

13^th August tournament runs from 9.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m.

14^th August: Finals at 9.00 a.m. and Prize-giving at 11.00 a.m. followed by refreshments.

15–19 August 2016: Camp Week 2:

3.00 p.m. at Sadili Oval Sports Academy,

3.00 p.m – 6.00 p.m. at Kibera Tennis & Sport Court in Katwekera, Kibera

Tuesday 16^th August: 3.00 p.m. – 6.30 p.m.: media and partner visit to Court of Dreams project in Kibera, play paddle tennis at Court of Dreams at Sadili, followed by refreshments at Sadili Oval.

19–21 August 2016: East Africa Junior Tennis Open at Sadili Oval Sports Academy sponsored by Wilson Sporting Goods. Singles and doubles tournament for U6 to U18 boys and girls, this event will bring together more than 150 kids competing at various levels.  Prize-giving will take place on Saturday 20 August at 2.00 p.m., followed by refreshments.

Kenyan Teresa Odera Earns Tennis Conference Honors

Teresa Odera of Kenya, and student at Northwestern College Iowa, recently earned Conference Honors in singles and doubles for the third year running as second singles player and, together with her partner Frankie Eszes, as 1st Doubles pair. She also qualified together with her team to NAIA Nationals held in Alabama, the first time being with her former team, Vanguard. Sadili Oval congratulate Terry for this amazing achievement, and both Frankie and Eszes for leading the team to nationals for the first time, this year. Both girls have graduated, GOOD LUCK!

Great Plains Athletic Conference

BRIAR CLIFF   CONCORDIA   DAKOTA WESLEYAN   DOANE   DORDT   HASTINGS   MIDLAND

MORNINGSIDE   MOUNT MARTY   NEBRASKA WESLEYAN   NORTHWESTERN  

Corey Westra, Commissioner

4728 Birch Way

Sioux City, Iowa, 51106

Phone: 712.226.4722   Fax: 303.374.5868   Cell: 712.226.4722

E-Mail:   corey.westra@gpacsports.com

TO:     GPAC Distribution List

FR:      Lucas Mohrman, Assistant GPAC Commissioner

RE:      2015 GPAC Women’s Tennis All-Conference Team

RELEASE DATE:  Friday, May 8, 2015

2015 GPAC Women’s All-Conference Tennis Team Announced

  (Sioux City, Iowa) – The Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) has announced the Women’s Tennis All-Conference selections for 2015.  Gaby Chaparro of Nebraska Wesleyan and Frankie Eszes from Northwestern have been named the Hauff Mid-America Sports/GPAC Co-Women’s Tennis Players-of-the-Year, while Rick Harley from Nebraska Wesleyan is the Hauff Mid-America Sports/GPAC Women’s Tennis Coach-of-the-Year. 

2015 GPAC Women's Tennis All-Conference Team:

Singles:

Position	Name	School	Grade	Hometown
No. 1 Singles	Gaby Chaparro	Nebraska Wesleyan	SR	Chihuahua, Mexico
No. 1 Singles	Frankie Eszes	Northwestern	SR	Santa Maria, Calif.
No. 1 Singles	Vanessa Rockne	Mount Marty	JR	Yankton, S.D.
No. 1 Singles	Katie Hanson	Morningside	JR	Saint Peter, Minn.
No. 2 Singles	Katherine Ternent	Nebraska Wesleyan	JR	Omaha, Neb.
No. 2 Singles	Audri Swisher	Morningside	SR	Spearfish, S.D.
No. 2 Singles	Terry Odera	Northwestern	SR	Nairobi, Kenya
No. 3 Singles	Natalie Cech	Nebraska Wesleyan	JR	Lincoln, Neb.
No. 3 Singles	Cassie Stanek	Morningside	SO	Sioux City, Iowa
No. 4 Singles	Valerie Robinson	Northwestern	JR	Vermillion, S.D.
No. 4 Singles	Bailey Christy	Hastings	SO	Hastings, Neb.
No. 5 Singles	Megan Carlson	Morningside	JR	Cherokee, Iowa
No. 5 Singles	McKayla Johnson	Northwestern	SO	Sioux Falls, S.D.
No. 6 Singles	Megan Solberg	Morningside	SR	Mitchell, S.D.
No. 6 Singles	Cheyanna Kempel	Doane	SO	Lincoln, Neb.

-More-

-Continued-

Singles Honorable Mention: Daniela Lozano (Northwestern), Emily Meisinger (Concordia), Jennifer Heywood (Nebraska Wesleyan), Keelyn Dooley (Midland), Tori Van De Veer (Nebraska Wesleyan), Jessica Zach (Hastings)

Doubles:

Position	Name	School	Grade	Hometown
No. 1 Doubles	Katherine Ternent	Nebraska Wesleyan	JR	Omaha, Neb.
	Natalie Cech		JR	Lincoln, Neb.
No. 1 Doubles	Frankie Eszes	Northwestern	SR	Santa Maria, Calif.
	Terry Odera		SR	Nairobi, Kenya
No. 1 Doubles	Grace Hollenback	Concordia	SR	Wheat Ridge, Colo.
	Annie Horn		FR	Denver, Colo.
No. 2 Doubles	Daniela Lozano	Northwestern	SO	Bogota, Columbia
	Valerie Robinson		JR	Vermillion, S.D.
No. 2 Doubles	Jennifer Heywood	Nebraska Wesleyan	SR	Lincoln, Neb.
	Gaby Chaparro		SR	Chihuahua, Mexico
No. 3 Doubles	Bailey Christy	Hastings	SO	Hastings, Neb.
	Molly Mitchell		SO	Littleton, Colo.

Doubles Honorable Mention: Katie Hanson & Audri Swisher (Morningside), Emily Meisinger & Elyse Kohl
(Concordia), Savannah Mitchell & Morgan Meyer (Doane), Tori Van De Veer & Jamie Bridges (Nebraska Wesleyan), Megan Carlson & Natasha Hongsermeier (Morningside)

                         

GPAC Hauff Mid-America Sports Co-Players-of-the-Year:
Gaby Chaparro (Nebraska Wesleyan) and Frankie Eszes (Northwestern)

GPAC Hauff Mid-America Sports Coach-of-the-Year:
Rick Harley (Nebraska Wesleyan)

-GPAC-