Former Rwandan tennis participant Mathieu Uwizeyimana has turned to teaching and launched a grassroots improvement programme aimed toward nurturing the subsequent technology of tennis gamers in Rwanda.
The programme, named Matayo Tennis Initiative, is predicated at Cercle Sportif de Kigali and focuses on creating younger gamers within the under-8, under-12 and under-18 classes.
Uwizeyimana, the brother of Rwanda’s present No.1 tennis participant Étienne Niyigena, performed tennis at skilled stage from 2004 till his retirement in 2020.
The thought of creating a tennis improvement programme first got here to him in 2024 when he met Canadian tennis coach Samuel Aliassime in Lomé, Togo, Uwizeyimana’s nation of origin.
Aliassime is the daddy and coach of world No.4 Félix Auger-Aliassime and runs the Académie Aliassime tennis academy in Quebec, Canada.
The pair had been launched by Daniel Pelletier, a Canadian residing in Rwanda.
Having began taking part in tennis comparatively late earlier than happening to signify Rwanda at worldwide competitions, Uwizeyimana stated launching the initiative fulfils a long-held ambition to present younger gamers alternatives he didn’t have rising up.
“I began taking part in tennis late, however I had the prospect to play and even signify my nation at worldwide competitions. My dream of grooming future tennis gamers grew to become extra life like once I had the chance to fulfill Aliassime,” Uwizeyimana advised Instances Sport.
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He stated Aliassime instantly confirmed curiosity in supporting the undertaking.
“After a brief dialog, he grew to become interested by supporting us by offering tools. With Cercle Sportif additionally giving us house to coach, I imagine it’s now time to make this dream occur.”
Aliassime has since supported the initiative with sportswear and tennis rackets.
Uwizeyimana, who’s now a tennis coach, stated the long-term purpose is to determine and develop gifted children able to competing on the highest stage.
He added that distinctive gamers who show vital potential might have alternatives to pursue scholarships in Canada via the partnership with Aliassime.
The Matayo Tennis Initiative presently has 60 girls and boys enrolled and commenced operations in January.
Former gamers urged to present again
Uwizeyimana is the newest former Rwandan participant to determine a tennis improvement initiative, following within the footsteps of former nationwide girls’s No.1 Joseline Umulisa.
Rwanda Tennis Federation president Théoneste Karenzi welcomed the initiative, saying former gamers have an vital position to play in giving again to the game and contributing to its future improvement.
Karenzi stated the Matayo Tennis Initiative enhances the federation’s personal efforts to develop tennis at grassroots stage.
“Our accountability is to develop tennis. It’s subsequently a joyful second to witness considered one of our former gamers, Uwizeyimana, launching such an initiative as a result of it can contribute to our improvement programmes,” Karenzi stated.
“We’ll give him our full assist.”
The federation can also be getting ready further tennis improvement initiatives and has recognized six websites the place new programmes are anticipated to be applied.
Karenzi inspired different former gamers and legends of the game to comply with Uwizeyimana’s instance by giving again, sharing their information and serving to information youthful generations.
