 Features
The ‘Tennis Academy’ was created as part of the 25th anniversary of wheelchair tennis. The International Tennis Federation decided to found the “Wheelchair Tennis Silver Fund”, with the aim to put in order wheelchair tennis projects in the underdeveloped countries, to be independent in operating within 2 years. On top of that, the ‘Johan Cruyff Foundation’, the Ministry of VWS and the KNLTB had adopted the pilot phase in 2003.
These projects recorded much success in Rumania, South Africa and Bolivia and in Sri Lanka.
The Tennis Academy
The Tennis Academy is located in the commercial capital of Sri Lanka, called Colombo. At the Tennis Academy there are people who play tennis, either valid or invalid, who can practice this sport out of their wheelchairs. Many of these players were military during the 30-year civil war between the Tamil Tigers and the government. Some of these soldiers were serious injured, which caused a permanent disability.
By some of these soldiers one or two legs were amputated.These ex-militants are training almost daily at this Tennis Academy in Colombo.
"Connected to her native country"
Natascha feels connected to her homeland. She also thinks it’s important that with the help of her own Foundation she can mean something for these wheelchair tennis players.
Aad Zwaan has meant a lot for these coaches and especially for tennis players of the Tennis academy in Colombo. He shared mainly his experiences, knowledge and vision. Perhaps it’s possible he can do it again in the context of the Wheels for Life Foundation?
By all means, Aad Zwaan is willing to write about this anyway.
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