Transforming Lives and communities through A Love of Tennis
Siyr and Mariym
One day I went into Ridgemont High School to hire a summer student. After several interviews I asked Mariym if she would accept the position. She was smart and very ambitious. I asked her what she wanted to be and she said a doctor. She did go into accounting but whatever she wanted she could accomplish it. She worked for us for a few summers. Her parents were from Iraq, and her younger brother was at home playing video games all summer. She asked me if he could join the program and of course I was delighted. Another great kid, with so much enthusiasm but one who just needed an opportunity.
He came everyday, helped his sister, played on the court and loved tennis. His physical literacy scores improved as well as his tennis. He was a natural and he was amazing with the kids just like his sister. They appreciated the opportunity to play. Gary Hawkes came to volunteer and give him some coaching and could see the enthusiasm in his eyes. He donated a racquet to him which he used everyday and appreciated the kindness. Later his sister bought him a racquet with her own money. They were just amazing people.
When Siyr became quite good at tennis we put him through the Tennis Canada Certification program and now in a leadership position he taught other kids. He was a great coach and mentor to the kids but he was also able to make money to attend University. Both these two kids left a tremendous mark on our organization and we will be forever grateful for their amazing passion, enthusiasm and kind spirit. It really emphasizes the importance tennis can play in changing the lives of those in our community to make our communities a healthier and better place to live through tennis.
He came everyday, helped his sister, played on the court and loved tennis. His physical literacy scores improved as well as his tennis. He was a natural and he was amazing with the kids just like his sister. They appreciated the opportunity to play. Gary Hawkes came to volunteer and give him some coaching and could see the enthusiasm in his eyes. He donated a racquet to him which he used everyday and appreciated the kindness. Later his sister bought him a racquet with her own money. They were just amazing people.
When Siyr became quite good at tennis we put him through the Tennis Canada Certification program and now in a leadership position he taught other kids. He was a great coach and mentor to the kids but he was also able to make money to attend University. Both these two kids left a tremendous mark on our organization and we will be forever grateful for their amazing passion, enthusiasm and kind spirit. It really emphasizes the importance tennis can play in changing the lives of those in our community to make our communities a healthier and better place to live through tennis.
Rachel
I first met Rachel at 5 years old when she first joined our program. I remember her Mom and Grandma used to come sit on the courts and watch her every move. She was eager, enthusiastic and over the years became quite a great player. In high school she volunteered over 1000 hours for us. It was incredible as she was always reliable, kind and great with the kids.
In her final year of high school we put her through the Tennis Canada certification program and she became a certified instructor and took on more leadership roles. While attending University we were able to hire her through the Canada summer student program to help with her studies. The fun she had on court as a child inspired her love for tennis and her commitment to giving back to the organization. Her leadership role as a new coach inspired her to pursue two degrees and balance the financial burden of University. She has now graduated with an Honours of Arts in Peace and Conflict Studies from the University of Waterloo and a Bachelor of Education at Queen's University. It was on the tennis courts that she discovered her passion for teaching.
We are so proud of all her accomplishments and we know she has many more dreams to pursue. She is an amazing person who now takes the values and life skills she learned on the tennis court to her classrooms as a teacher. What a group of lucky students to have such an accomplished teacher. Over 20 years later she still stops by and lends a helping hand with the kids. I always have a huge smile when I see her. When she comes it is as if she has never missed a beat - finding the right size racquet for a little girl, demonstrating the correct grip, or having discussions with the parents. She is an incredible role model and it has been a privilege to watch her grow into an amazing kind, compassionate, and thoughtful adult.
These are two examples of how A Love of Tennis is transforming lives and creating healthier communities. I have witnessed first hand the many transformations and it inspires me each and everyday to continue to make a difference. Every person who comes through our doors is so important to us, and we ensure that it is a place that brings them fond memories and will transform their lives in a positive way.
Danielle ( Founder A Love of Tennis)
In her final year of high school we put her through the Tennis Canada certification program and she became a certified instructor and took on more leadership roles. While attending University we were able to hire her through the Canada summer student program to help with her studies. The fun she had on court as a child inspired her love for tennis and her commitment to giving back to the organization. Her leadership role as a new coach inspired her to pursue two degrees and balance the financial burden of University. She has now graduated with an Honours of Arts in Peace and Conflict Studies from the University of Waterloo and a Bachelor of Education at Queen's University. It was on the tennis courts that she discovered her passion for teaching.
We are so proud of all her accomplishments and we know she has many more dreams to pursue. She is an amazing person who now takes the values and life skills she learned on the tennis court to her classrooms as a teacher. What a group of lucky students to have such an accomplished teacher. Over 20 years later she still stops by and lends a helping hand with the kids. I always have a huge smile when I see her. When she comes it is as if she has never missed a beat - finding the right size racquet for a little girl, demonstrating the correct grip, or having discussions with the parents. She is an incredible role model and it has been a privilege to watch her grow into an amazing kind, compassionate, and thoughtful adult.
These are two examples of how A Love of Tennis is transforming lives and creating healthier communities. I have witnessed first hand the many transformations and it inspires me each and everyday to continue to make a difference. Every person who comes through our doors is so important to us, and we ensure that it is a place that brings them fond memories and will transform their lives in a positive way.
Danielle ( Founder A Love of Tennis)