9/3/2023
First Racquet made a return on September 3rd, hosting a stellar Labor Day Charity Hitting Session at Shadow Creek High School’s tennis courts.
In the run-up to the event, our dedicated team meticulously planned every detail, ensuring a seamless experience for all. Open to everyone, we offered sign-ups for every age and skill level, ensuring participants got the practice they desired. Plus, several of our seasoned staff were on hand as our hitting partners, generously sharing insights and tips. But that wasn’t all: experienced coaches were present, guiding players with expertise and patience.
Nestled beside the tennis courts, a beautifully arranged table showcased Angolan arts and crafts, stirring a deep sense of nostalgia and reminding us of the very roots of our cause. Despite the early heat, our players were quick to hit the courts in the morning. Between sessions, players stayed refreshed with chilled Gatorade and water. And when it was time for a treat? Stanley’s ice cream stand was a crowd favorite, tempting taste buds with everything from popsicles to chilled grapes.
Beyond the game of tennis, the day symbolized hope and change. Not only did players benefit immensely by refining their tennis skills and boosting their confidence, but the event also fueled our mission to help budding tennis stars in Angola.
The numbers speak for themselves: 39 hitting sessions and an impressive ~$2,500 raised. Every cent goes towards securing equipment for young talents in Angola.
Our deepest gratitude goes out to our sponsors, selfless volunteers, and enthusiastic participants. Thank you for turning vision into reality!
TESTIMONIALS
Gabriel Abaya is a great high school tennis player. However he tenses up and under performs in tournaments. Fear has been a big road block to his success. It took some serious convincing to get him to sign up to hit at our event as he was scared to play with the top players. He hit with Francisco Salmain. Fran was so nice to hit to his level and applauded every good shot. Gabriel felt so relaxed and played his best I have ever seen. The look on his face and the confidence he gained from that awesome experience was priceless. Both Gabriel and his whole family are very thankful for the experience. They came back and donated a bunch of racquets and shoes.
Ramani R.
Dillon Beckles exemplifies passion and commitment. Everything he did from the moment he came to extending his stay by one more hour to cover for a player that had a family emergency was so awesome. He hit with 10 years old Boheng who was literally shaking his legs when he first saw Dillon. Dillon bent to his level, introduced himself, asked his name, talked to him and made him so comfortable even before hitting the court. That simple but profound gesture made Boheng feel comfortable and that brought the best in him and it was so awesome to see Dillon talking to him the whole time while picking up balls and giving advice. After the session, his dad expressed his appreciation and they were very happy.
Ramani R.
Thank you for taking the initiative to spread our love for tennis to others around the world, and for pioneering valuable opportunities for those in need. I look forward to joining you in many more First Racquet events to come.
Jason L.
Thank you for letting us be a part of the event! It was very well run and lots of fun to work with the players! Count us in for the next ones to come!
Bruno S. & Sarah M.
I am really happy to read this story and know that the impact went beyond expected . Feel free to share Fran’s contact if the player wants to hit in the future.
Bernardita S.
Overall, this event is more than a paid hitting session. It really is like a mentoring event and an experience session that has left a mark in the players’ lives to take their tennis to the next level.
Ramani R.
To our sponsors:
On behalf of the entire team at First Racquet, we extend our heartfelt appreciation for your magnanimous support of our Labor Day Charity Hitting Event. Your kind contributions not only facilitated 39 distinct hitting sessions but also ensured the event’s success, even in the face of challenging heat. Your sponsorship played a critical role, acting as a stepping stone in our mission to introduce the joys and benefits of tennis to the children of Angola. We deeply cherish the bond we’ve built with you, seeing you not just as a sponsor but as a partner in our journey. With enthusiasm, we look forward to keeping you updated and involved in our upcoming ventures and milestones.
First Racquet Team
To our volunteers:
Taking a moment to reminisce about our Labor Day Weekend Hitting Event, we find ourselves overwhelmed with gratitude for your invaluable support and enthusiastic participation. The challenging heat could have dampened spirits, but instead, your unwavering dedication emerged as a shining example, offering hope and inspiration to the children we ardently support. Your resilience not only left an indelible mark on the event but also deeply touched all of us present. We cherish the memories we’ve forged, and with heartfelt thanks, we eagerly look forward to creating many more cherished moments together in the future.
First Racquet Team
To all the participants:
Reflecting on our recent Labor Day Hitting Event, we are filled with profound gratitude for your unwavering dedication and participation. Even in the intense heat, your passion for the game stood out, epitomizing community spirit and offering hope to the children we tirelessly champion. Your involvement resonated as a testament to resilience and unity. We’re deeply thankful for the shared memories and look forward to our continued journey together.
First Racquet Team