Newsletter – July 2011
July was another busy and productive month for Donkor Tennis and Education Foundation (DTEF) with some new events happening outside of Ghana. We held our first ever clinic in Zimbabwe in a bid to increase awareness in other African countries and to give more kids a chance to participate in our program. Our top individual sponsor generously provided us a facility, food, and rackets; helping us to host a successful clinic and sow the seeds of future DTEF events both in Zimbabwe and across the continent.
The First Ever DTEF Zimbabwe Tennis Clinic – a Day of Fun, Food, and Tennis!
Around 90 elementary students arrived at the court for the DTEF Zimbabwe clinic ready to have fun while spending the day learning about the game of tennis. For many of these kids, it was the first time they’d ever set foot on a tennis court. DTEF CEO Isaac Donkor, along with DTEF directors Scott Treibly and Dottie Jones, put the enthusiastic kids through their paces with engaging games like tennis “Simon Says” and shadow tennis.
Even with limited equipment, the talented DTEF coaches were able to captivate the kids’ interest in tennis and give them a morning to remember. Between instruction and games the kids and guests enjoyed refreshments including drinks and candy, as well as an alfresco packed lunch out on the tennis court, all thanks to one of our most supportive sponsors.
Wayne Black, who has won major tournaments in both doubles and mixed doubles, made a very welcome guest appearance at the Zimbabwe clinic. Wayne was a great help at the clinic, aiding the coaches in organizing the children on court and offering them his expertise. A native of Zimbabwe, he made the trip down expressly to lend DTEF a hand in our mission to bring tennis and education to children across Africa. We thank him and look forward to working with him in the future.
Find Out What’s Happening With DTEF This Fall…
So what’s coming up next for DTEF? We have some exciting plans in the works for the months ahead. In October we will be running one the biggest clinics we’ve ever held in the hopes of reaching more children than ever before. Stay tuned for more details and updates about the October clinic! DTEF also plans on continuing our efforts to expand the foundation both in Ghana and across the entire country.
We also look forward to working with Marcel Freeman, UCLA graduate, NCAA #1 ranked player, top 10 ATP player, and top coach; who helped Chanda Rubin reach a top 10 WTA ranking. Marcel Freeman has expressed an interest in Donkor Tennis and Education Foundation and will be coming down to aid Isaac Donkor in running more clinics and events for children across the country. We look forward to having Marcel offer his expertise to help our cause.
How DTEF is Using Your Support to Change Lives
We couldn’t be doing what we are doing right now for young people in Ghana and Zimbabwe without our sponsors who help us make a difference in the lives of underprivileged kids. With the help of our dedicated coaches and our generous sponsors we’ve already been able to touch the lives of around 400 young underprivileged children.
Donkor Tennis and Education Foundation looks forward to sharing more stories of the events and activities we’re doing to help kids develop into strong, confident, and athletic leaders through tennis and education. Show your support by making a donation.