2000 underprivileged kids to get tennis exposure

New Delhi: The Wimbledon Foundation and the Magic Bus, a non-profit organisation, on Tuesday joined hands by launching a joint initiative through which they will strive to introduce the game of tennis to 2000 underprivileged children for their social development.

The All Indian Tennis Association (AITA) will also play a part in the implementation of the programme, which will initially be a one-year pilot project.

Helen Parker of the Wimbledon Foundation informed that they have committed to provide a financial aid of 30,000 sterling pounds in the programme, through which they want to use sport as a tool for the social development of the marginalised kids.

The teachers and mentors will be trained through the scheme and tennis will be a part of the curriculum.

"This is basically how to integrate tennis into curriculum. If we can have clinics later on that will be icing on the cake," Paul Hutchins, former British Davis Cup captain and Tournament Director of the Road to Wimbledon, said at a press conference.

Pratik Kumar, Magic Bus CEO said they were not looking at producing professional players.

"The end game may not be to get the sports super stars but the development of the kids. Magic Bus has involved team sports like football and we will see what impact it makes since it is an equipment intensive game and top facilities will not be available at every place," he said.

Manpreet Kandhari, DLTA Director, said they were happy to provide the technical assistance, wherever required, and the DLTA courts for the implementation of the programme.

All England Club Head Coach Dan Bloxham conducted a clinic with about 50 kids in the morning at DLTA and opined that standard of skills was same in Indian and British kids but talent in other European countries was far better.