Tennis for all at Ellis Park as children rediscover courts
Between 30 and 60 children attend sessions at Ellis Park, where many first experience tennis and hold a racket.
Alec Galanakis, a former school teacher, drives past the derelict tennis courts at Ellis Park, remembering the days when world-class players graced the grounds. Fearing the loss of this historic site's legacy, he founded the Joburg Tennis Grassroots Foundation to bring inner-city children to the courts for free coaching. Each afternoon, Galanakis walks from the centre to collect kids from nearby primary schools, navigating poor roads and traffic lights.
The foundation started with donated rackets, balls, and clothing, and now relies on equipment contributions from local clubs and volunteer coaches. Many children are new to tennis, and they eagerly rummage through donated shoes. Between 30 and 60 children attend sessions daily, with some using the facility as students. Ellis Park once hosted major tournaments and attracted tennis legends like Rod Laver and Bjorn Borg.
Galanakis envisions the centre becoming a living museum that preserves its history while providing a thriving sports hub for new generations.
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