Kenya has become the first country in Africa to unveil the Billie Jean King’s Eye Coach Ball Striking PE Tennis programme.

The project initiated by US-based company, Billie Jean King’s Eye Coach LLC, was launched at Dr Robert Ouko Primary School, Korando Village, Kisumu County, over the weekend and attracted a total of 200 kids aged 4-12 years.

Shining Hope Organisation founder Collins JHO Agwanda Saye said the launch of the programme in Kenya is a new dawn for tennis development in Africa. “Through our  initiative Africa Professional Tennis Association (APTA), Victoria Sports, Elora Group and  FoH-USA, we plan to roll out the programme across 24 counties in Kenya before moving to East Africa and later across continent.” 

Agwanda further said their organisation is not in competition with  national and continental federations but will be complementing their work.

“We want to see players from Africa participate in Association of Tennis Professional (ATP), Women Tennis Association (WTA) and  International Tennis Federation (ITF) events.” Added Agwanda.

Billie Jean King’s Eye Coach’s Lenny Schloss said they have already done pilot programmes across 20 states in the US with positive outcome.

Billie Jean King’s Eye Coach is a  new tennis device developed by Schloss aimied at improving eye coordination, contact point and follow through in tennis training. The device doesn’t require use of tennis court hence its flexible to be used even indoors, and outdoors.

Kericho, Elgeyo/Marakwet, Murang’a, Siaya, Busia, Migori, Vihiga, Kisii, Bungoma, Uasin Gishu, Murang’a, Nyeri, Embu, Meru, Kirinyaga, Mombasa, Taita-Taveta, Machakos, Makueni, Garisa, Isiolo, Mandera, Turkana, Narok, Bomet, are some of the 24 counties that will benefit in Kenya before spreading wings to Africa.

“We urge corporates, wellwishers and donors to come on board and support the programme for the betterment of tennis talents amongst the vulnerable and talented kids,” said Agwanda.