Game, set and match at fundraiser
The Match foundation finances travel, equipment and development
MORE than R1 million has been raised for tennis players who have the talent but lack revenue, thanks to the Match Foundation following a fundraising dinner.
The fundraising event was hosted by Gloria and Rolf Theiler from Switzerland, at their Camps Bay mansion called Enigma with the purpose of raising much needed money.
The Match foundation finances travel to tennis tournaments, equipment and development at the Anthony Harris Tennis Academy.
The foundation’s Anthula Markovitz said: “This initiative is important as it means Match has now started the ball rolling to help make a champion, which is our aim when previously very little assistance was available from Tennis South Africa.”
She added that the event was also important to make people aware of the foundation and introduce them to the academy, the coaches, the potential tennis stars and their parents.
Markovitz said that at the professional level, from the age of 17 onwards, it could cost a minimum of R1 million per year to play on the tour. However, at this point the player could be winning prize money.
“For example, Lloyd Harris was sponsored for two years with a contract and we are now looking for a new sponsor or two for him.”
“Players aged between 14 and 17 travel locally, and in Africa their expenses range between R250 000 and R500 000 per year per player.”
Children under 13 years old could cost from R100 000 to R200 000.
“The event was absolutely faultless. The highlight for me the auction and from an entertainment point of view maybe the Argentinian tango that took place through the house before the auction, and the amazing jazz musician Ian Smith and his artists.”
The academy’s next fundraiser will be a Pro Am tournament at Sun City. The date of which is still to be decided.