Tennis prodigy seeks sponsors
LIMBA MUPETAMI
Hendrina Apollus, a 13-year-old netball prodigy from Katutura, is in need of financial assistance to make her dream of playing tennis in Tunisia a reality.
Apollus, along with seven other players, was chosen to represent Namibia at the ITF/CAT African Junior Championship in Tunisia from 24 August to 6 September.
This is a claycourt event that counts for international ranking points, which are necessary for professional progression in tennis. But the young athlete does not have enough money to travel to the tournament.
Apollus’s tennis prowess has earned her numerous awards since she started playing tennis four years ago. She has represented Namibia in many African tournaments and she is ranked number one in her age group locally.
The Namibia Tennis Association (NTA), which is responsible for administration and funding, is strapped for cash and therefore asked players’ families to raise the necessary funds.
‘‘NTA encourages that parents travel with the player, particularly considering the age of the players, as they require emotional support on and off the court to maximise performance,’’ said Everson Muranguveni, the athlete’s manager who has been working tirelessly to raise funds for her.
Muranguveni, who is a graphic designer, has created a professional player video as well as a social media profile for Apollus.
He has pledged to offer sponsors some of his services, depending on the amount of money they contribute towards Apollus’s travel costs.
The trip will cost her N$43 124. If her mother accompanies her, the expenses will rise to N$72 424.
So far they have raised N$13 741 for the flight ticket, which was sponsored by IJG Securities.
Tusnede Apollus, the young player’s mother, is a single mother earning a meagre salary.
‘‘I want to help her realise her dream of becoming an outstanding tennis player in Namibia and a professional tennis player one day,’’ she said.
Those interested in helping the tennis player can contact 081 418 5138 or 081 288 1300.
Hendrina Apollus, a 13-year-old netball prodigy from Katutura, is in need of financial assistance to make her dream of playing tennis in Tunisia a reality.
Apollus, along with seven other players, was chosen to represent Namibia at the ITF/CAT African Junior Championship in Tunisia from 24 August to 6 September.
This is a claycourt event that counts for international ranking points, which are necessary for professional progression in tennis. But the young athlete does not have enough money to travel to the tournament.
Apollus’s tennis prowess has earned her numerous awards since she started playing tennis four years ago. She has represented Namibia in many African tournaments and she is ranked number one in her age group locally.
The Namibia Tennis Association (NTA), which is responsible for administration and funding, is strapped for cash and therefore asked players’ families to raise the necessary funds.
‘‘NTA encourages that parents travel with the player, particularly considering the age of the players, as they require emotional support on and off the court to maximise performance,’’ said Everson Muranguveni, the athlete’s manager who has been working tirelessly to raise funds for her.
Muranguveni, who is a graphic designer, has created a professional player video as well as a social media profile for Apollus.
He has pledged to offer sponsors some of his services, depending on the amount of money they contribute towards Apollus’s travel costs.
The trip will cost her N$43 124. If her mother accompanies her, the expenses will rise to N$72 424.
So far they have raised N$13 741 for the flight ticket, which was sponsored by IJG Securities.
Tusnede Apollus, the young player’s mother, is a single mother earning a meagre salary.
‘‘I want to help her realise her dream of becoming an outstanding tennis player in Namibia and a professional tennis player one day,’’ she said.
Those interested in helping the tennis player can contact 081 418 5138 or 081 288 1300.
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