The managing director of the African Tennis Development Foundation, Clifton Swarts will launch the Bethelsdorp Hub Primary Schools Modified Tennis Legacy Programme at Astra Primary School in Gqeberha on Friday
The hub, which comprises four primary schools namely Astra, Bethvale, Kroneberg, and Strelitzia, aims to revive tennis in the rural communities of South Africa especially the 42 primary schools in the city's northern areas.
Swarts, a retired tennis player said the reason for choosing the northern areas, was that it was a popular tennis community during the 1960's and 70's.
He also said that they have decided to partner with schools to make a difference in the lives of learners through sport.
"We named the legacy program after John Booysen, Chrissie Pillay, and Ronnie Matroos, for the remarkable role they played in the sport," says Swarts.
He explained that modified tennis is played at school on a smaller surface, and will be rolled out in hubs.
The Bethelsdorp Hub is the second of its kind.
"The program aims to create an appetite for the sport, clinics which will then expand into talent identification programs which will allow learners to participate in the sport," he added.
