Tennis kit for kids (Thailand)

After Merlin and my delivery/training in Phuket I flew up to Bangkok where we met Jo Ward (LTA Education and Curriculum Manager) and were also joined by Rebecca Molitor (a very kind volunteer who asked to help with photography on the day).

We travelled to the HDF Mercy Centre in Bangkok, a home for children on the east side of the city, armed with our Zsig Sports school equipment pack, Tennis For Kids t-shirts, lesson plans and SERVES health education packs.

On arrival we met with Khun Prawina, the manager of the Public Relations Department, whom I had been in regular contact with since our last visit in 2017. She was delighted with our arrival and the donation of the much needed equipment. Jason, another staff member who I had been communicating via WhatsApp through the year helped us moving all of the kit and coordinating the children.

We were ushered into the community basketball space adjacent to the building. Here, Jo, Rebecca and myself delivered a session to the 16 orphaned children whilst training the support staff, which was thoroughly enjoyed by all. It has to be said that these children were incredibly well coordinated, we could all tell that they had spent a lot of time playing and being active (probably much more so than many children in the UK), their personal favourite was the game of 'freeze'.

This has to be one of the most rewarding sessions we have run over the past 3 years, recognising many of the children from the last visit and being able to share the experience with two other people on the day. A pretty special day, smiles all-round.

After the session we got the obligatory team photo. What a way to spend a day in the capital city! Thank you to everyone who has donated towards the project so far and for allowing us to continue this valuable work. It means a lot to everyone involved.

Tennis For Kids t-shirts for all of the children.
Special thank you to Rebecca, our photographer on the day! Who also got on-court and played some points.