The fifth anniversary of Elina Svitolina Tennis Camp has ended. Due to the full-scale war, the event was held abroad for the second time for the safety of the participants. Twenty talented junior tennis players under 12 trained this year in Poland at the Hala Tenisowa Akwawit Leszno Tennis Centre.
The ES Tennis Camps have been held for as long as the Elina Svitolina Foundation has existed. The most promising boys and girls included in the ranking of the Ukrainian Tennis Federation are selected to participate in them. For ten days, the young athletes can train intensively and try on the lifestyle of a professional tennis player. Over the past five years, one hundred players have joined the program. Accommodation, meals, and training have always been free of charge for the participants.
The camp schedule is usually designed to combine general physical training, game and technical tennis training with a basket, tactical and recovery training, and traditional consultations with a psychologist. Why are girls and boys aged 11-12 selected for participation? As Elina Svitolina explained, this is the age when tennis players are developing and need to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills in time not to lose their potential.
This year, the founder of the Foundation, the most successful athlete in the history of Ukrainian tennis, also attended the training camp. After it was over, Elina shared her observations: “After spending these days with the participants, I once again saw how strong and persistent our young generation is! These children dream and work hard to get closer to their dreams! They work like adults! I am very happy that, with the help of the Foundation’s programs, I can share my experience with young athletes. And, hopefully, inspire them.”
Anna Popovchenko, director of the Elina Svitolina Foundation, who also spent the last ten days at the camp, shares her impressions: “Last year, the children were scared – you could feel it. Today, a year and a half after the full-scale invasion, they are completely different. They are stronger. I think they, like adults, could adapt to the new conditions. They have learned to live today without putting it off until better times and enjoy the joys of everyday life. For example, communication with their peers… It means that they believe in tomorrow. I am glad that we at the Foundation are involved in strengthening their faith in the future and their self-confidence.”
We are grateful to the professional team led by Mykhailo Filima, who ensured the training process at the highest level, and to our reliable donors and partners Wilson, Adidas, and Setanta Sports. Together, we make children happy!