Teen varsity tennis player raises $20k to bring tennis to local children
A Friends Academy varsity tennis player is helping local children discover a love for the sport through a new community program.
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A Friends Academy varsity tennis player is helping local children discover a love for the sport through a new community program.
Sixteen-year-old Olivia Lichota, of Glen Head, started Olivia's Youth Tennis Clinic, a four-week program designed to introduce tennis to children who have never stepped onto a court before.
"They never played tennis before. Never even picked up a racket before," Lichota said.
The clinic serves children ages 8 to 12 from the Glen Cove Boys & Girls Club, teaching everything from basic tennis fundamentals and safety tips to sportsmanship and teamwork.
"You learn the fundamentals of the game," participant Sergio Guillen said.
For many of the young athletes, the experience has been both fun and rewarding.
To make the program possible, Lichota raised $20,000 with the help of the community. The funding covers transportation, coaching, tennis rackets and other equipment needed for the children to participate.
Beyond introducing a new sport, Lichota hopes the clinic gives children confidence and a hobby they can continue enjoying for years to come.
"I just feel like I always enjoy playing it, and I want to teach young children how to play too," she said.
