Vosloorus end of year report 2022 IC YEAR END REPORT FOR 2022. We were once again extremely grateful for the funding from IC Philanthropy in order for us to continue the development program in Vosloorus. It was our intention to hold three weekend camps but could only organize one. The reasons being not enough suitable weekends due to a very crowded tournament program both at home and within Africa. Quality outside speakers and coaches were unavailable when we looked at certain times. Looking back on the year, some progress was made but we were disappointed in not achieving more. The fact that we could only hold one weekend camp as opposed to three, was disappointing. With so much tennis being played at tournament level in the country and within Africa, the main sticking points were; Lack of suitable weekends that were free. Outside and more qualified coaches and speakers were tied to a large number of those tournaments. It was not felt that any meaningful benefit could be gained by holding camps when both players and coaches/speakers that we required, were unavailable. The one weekend camp we held we had 47 kids and five coaches taking part and were able to incorporate a Life Skills component along with the camp. A full report and pictures we submitted to Elena Adams for the main IC web page. I was extremely pleased with the way the camp was run by the coaches; the interaction of the children during the camp especially when it came to question time after the various talks. We invited coaches and children from some of the other Townships within the area and felt that the whole camp was a huge benefit to tennis within the area as the coaches were able to learn greater skills and then go back and impart these to their own programmes. We also held a clinic during the African qualifying leg of the Rod Laver Worldwide junior challenge. We again invited outside children to take part and were delighted with the response. We held the clinic on the morning whereby players from the four teams that played in the event could take part in the clinic. Nandos very kindly supplied lunch (half chicken and chips) and a cool drink to all who took part. We continued to participate in tournaments. Those held by Gauteng East Tennis Association were smaller in number this year but we “spread our wings” and took part in events held in Soweto and in the Vaal area. This gave the players greater exposure to different standards of play plus the ability to widen their knowledge of other areas and events. The main success on court was that we managed to get three players to play inter provincial tennis for Gauteng East at both under 15 and 19 level. Reports from the various team managers were very complimentary on their play as well as them embracing the week and integrating with their team members. One player, Thando Xolo achieved considerable success when she was runner up in the girls under 14 Gauteng East Closed tournament in both singles and doubles. This event was also part one of the trials for the 2023 inter provincial teams. This was a huge achievement for her and a reward for the work and effort she has put into her training during the year. It must be said that I was slightly disappointed with the results of some of the other players who played in the Closed tournament as I was expected some better results. Something to work on for 2023. I heard yesterday that Thando and Wandile Tshabalala have been selected to attend the second session of Trials in February next year. The coach, Michael Lelosa, who has been running the program since inception in 2011, felt that he should “spread his wings” to gain a more living wage. He, therefore, took up an appointment at a school but is still available to coach on a Friday and at weekends. We appointed Sanele Saul as his replacement. Sanele came through the program and was without doubt the best player ever to come out of the program. He is dedicated, committed and the kids have taken to him wholeheartedly. He is now studying Sports Management at a local college. There are of course some negatives. The facilities at Vosloorus are deteriorating by the day. The lack of a proper clubhouse and toilet facilities is a major concern. Our approaches to both Tennis SA (the controlling body of tennis here) and the Municipality whose facility it is, have been unsuccessful AGAIN and indications are that little, if any, assistance will come from the Municipality in the medium term. It is a wonder that we can continue the program when the general conditions there are way below what is really required. The private sector is “cash strapped” as major companies limit their social responsibility programs to health, education, and welfare in the poorer areas, namely the African Townships, schools etc. Looking back on the year and summarizing, there were positives but on the court itself I felt we fell a little short of what I had hoped to achieve. Plenty to work on for 2023 and beyond. Finally, a sincere thank you for your continued support from a financial point of view to ensure that the children from this under privileged area can have the opportunity to take part in this wonderful game of tennis. Mike Dunk, Chairman IC SA.
