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 came across Mariym, and asked if she would accept the position. She was smart and very ambitious, saying she wanted to become a doctor. I thought whatever she wanted she could accomplish, and so she worked for us for a few summers. Her parents were from Iraq, and she had a younger brother who was at home playing video games all summer. She asked me if he could join the program too, 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 and played on the court. He loved tennis, and through the sport, his physical literacy skills improved and so did his tennis. He was a natural and was amazing with kids, as was his sister. They appreciated the opportunity to play.
One day, Gary Hawkes came to volunteer and gave Siyr some coaching-you could see the enthusiasm in Siyr's eyes. Gary donated a racquet to him, which he used everyday. Later, his sister bought him a racquet with her own money.
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 and was able to make money to attend University. Both left a tremendous mark on our organization and we will be forever grateful for their passion, enthusiasm and kind spirit. It really emphasizes the power tennis can have in changing the lives of those in our communities, as well as making them healthier and a better place to live!
He came everyday, helped his sister and played on the court. He loved tennis, and through the sport, his physical literacy skills improved and so did his tennis. He was a natural and was amazing with kids, as was his sister. They appreciated the opportunity to play.
One day, Gary Hawkes came to volunteer and gave Siyr some coaching-you could see the enthusiasm in Siyr's eyes. Gary donated a racquet to him, which he used everyday. Later, his sister bought him a racquet with her own money.
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 and was able to make money to attend University. Both left a tremendous mark on our organization and we will be forever grateful for their passion, enthusiasm and kind spirit. It really emphasizes the power tennis can have in changing the lives of those in our communities, as well as making them healthier and a better place to live!
Rachel
I first met Rachel when she was 5 years old, as a kid who 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. Later, when she was in high school, Rachel volunteered over 1000 hours for us. It was incredible to see how kind, reliable and great with the kids she was. In her final year of high school, we put her through the Tennis Canada certification program. She became a certified instructor who 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 the court as a child founded her love for tennis and her commitment to giving back to the organization. Her new leadership role as a coach inspired her to pursue two degrees and balance the financial burden of University. She 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 truly 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 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's as if she 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, compassionate and thoughtful adult.
These are two examples of how A Love of Tennis transforms lives by creating healthier communities. I have witnessed first hand many of these 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 change their lives in a positive way.
Danielle (Founder of A Love of Tennis)
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 the court as a child founded her love for tennis and her commitment to giving back to the organization. Her new leadership role as a coach inspired her to pursue two degrees and balance the financial burden of University. She 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 truly 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 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's as if she 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, compassionate and thoughtful adult.
These are two examples of how A Love of Tennis transforms lives by creating healthier communities. I have witnessed first hand many of these 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 change their lives in a positive way.
Danielle (Founder of A Love of Tennis)