IC SA Newsletter December 2018

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN have regular communication and meetings for our members. It is hoped It has been an exciting first nine months that during 2019 and further down the in the chair and a sharp learning curve, line, our Newsletter will be sent out at especially trying to fill the very big least three times during the year. boots left by Leonie after her incredibly successful tenure in the chair. 2020 sees us celebrate out 70th birthday. Leonie is working on a special There was very little time to work event to not only mark that occasion slowly through the gears and treat but to honour our tennis Legends. More every turn as a gentle curve but more details will follow in Newsletters, but it like a sprint to overdrive and is anticipated that there will be possibly negotiating some bumps along the way. three major functions held during 2020.

June and I attended the Annual General I thank my committee for their meeting in London during Wimbledon dedicated work during the year and and we came away with invites for also to our Honorary President, Lorna tours to the Czech Republic and Krog for the work she tirelessly does for Hungary for 2019 and Austria with the the club in the Western Cape. Also to chance of a Four Nations event there in Leonie for her continued sterling work 2021. I felt that to combine more than in driving of the Development Project at one country at a time gave our Kenton on Sea. members greater value for money especially seeing where the Rand is It remains for me to wish all our against other currencies. There has members and their families a Blessed been strong interest in next year’s tour and peaceful Christmas and a which is very pleasing to see that this is prosperous and tennis filled 2019. the sort of activity our members like. Mike Dunk Turning to local functions, and I would like to see one local IC event in each province annually to bring members together on a regular basis. This may be in the form of a social tennis day; a dinner; golf day or just a cocktail party held during a Veterans tournament in that province, but we must endeavor to

“Hands across the net, friendship across the ocean” 1 IC SA Newsletter December 2018 from these countries that had already DATES TO REMEMBER FOR 2019. played junior Davis or Fed cup. Some the boys were “giants” and added to the 1. The Annual General meeting of the different court surface (similar to clay) our club will be held during the SA team knew they were out of their comfort Veterans Nationals in Bloemfontein zone. We only managed to win one match on Saturday 2 March followed by a but the exposure that the team had to the dinner. culture of Japan was a hugely beneficial exposure. Not only did they have to wear 2. The IC week will take place in Le kimonos at times but attended a formal Tourquet, France in September. This dinner with the Princess of Japan in will be for the Windmill Trophy and attendance; learnt to write in calligraphy; the Mercelis Cup. Details have been went to a tea drinking ceremony and had the sent out to all members. Entries opportunity to take part in a clinic for must be in by 31 January 2019. children with disabilities.

3. We have a tour to Czech Republic to The exposure to a different culture was a take part in the Four Nations event valuable lesson to them all. followed by a match against They also attended two sessions of the ATP Hungary in June. There are still 500 series event and then three of them places available should any went on to take part in the junior members wish to visit these tournament ranked the equivalent of a countries. Grand Slam level event where the two boys

both won a round in singles and the doubles. 4. The Potter Cup for members 45+ for

men and 40+ for ladies will be held Two of the players, Robbie Arends and in Barcelona from 30 May to 2 June. Ntokozo Zungu wrote about their Event limited to 8 countries only. experiences of the tour.

JUNIORS REPRESENT AFRICA IN TOKYO. Robbie said “I was very fortunate to be

selected for the IC SA team to compete in Having won the African qualifying event last the IC world finals in Japan. August the South African under 16 team headed for Tokyo to take part in the It was an amazing that we got to the Compass World Wide Junior challenge. The opportunity to watch the ATP Rakuten 500 team was Joubert Klopper, Robbie open. It was the first ATP event I’ve been to Arendse, Linge Steenkamp and Ntokozo and it was such an amazing experience to Zungu. Terrey Schweitzer accompanied the watch the professionals play. The whole team as coach/manageress. event was just so well organized, the

cultural events were amazing, it was a Representatives from the other five really good level of tennis and it was so nice continents were Uruguay, United Sates of to meet new people and make new friends. America, Italy, India and Japan as hosts. The It was also really nice that you could have quality of tennis we would come up against was emphasized by the number of juniors

“Hands across the net, friendship across the ocean” 2 IC SA Newsletter December 2018 your team and coach on the court with you experiences also allowed us to get out of to give you motivation and tactics. the competition atmosphere and get into the field of learning more. We got to meet one of the Japanese Princesses, visit the temple, wear a Thank you again for this amazing Japanese kimono, experience a tea opportunity and if I were to do it again, I’d do ceremony and had the chance to do it over and over again! And yes, I did get into Japanese calligraphy. One of my favorite the IC spirit of hands across the net, friends things was when we got to help the children across the ocean.” with disabilities play tennis and try different ball skills. Linge Steenkamp was awarded the Sportsmanship award for girls at the end of It was just such an unforgettable tour and the challenge and they were all excellent such an amazing experience, thank you to ambassadors for both the IC movement and everyone who made it possible.” South African.

Ntokozo Zungu wrote; Team at airport before leaving) from L to R) Robbie Arendse, Joubert Klopper, Terrey “I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the Schweitzer (coach/manageress), Linge Steenkamp and Ntokozo Zungu. International Club of South Africa for the opportunity given to me to be part of the International Club Junior Challenge in Japan and to represent my country.

It was an honour and privilege to be part of the South African team and to have an inspiring and supportive team manager, Terrey Schweitzer. I’d like to thank the IC committee for the tremendous hard work they have put into making this tournament a success. Team at the official dinner in Tokyo. I’ve learnt that tennis is a universal language, it unites people from different cultures and backgrounds. I enjoyed the cultural experience because it enabled me to get a better understanding of Japan from wearing the kimono to having a tea ceremony and calligraphy session. The charity event with the children with disabilities overwhelmed me with joy to see the children smiling while we had the clinic with them and to know that I am the reason I put a smile on someone’s face. I could not have asked for more. The cultural

“Hands across the net, friendship across the ocean” 3 IC SA Newsletter December 2018

The girls learning the art of calligraphy in Robbie Arendse in action Tokyo.

Robbie Arendse helping at the clinic for handicapped children Let play begin in the girls’ doubles

Joubert Klopper in action

Hands across the net as the boys win their doubles against Japan.

“Hands across the net, friendship across the ocean” 4 IC SA Newsletter December 2018 All dressed up in the kimono for a function in Learning to eat with chopsticks! But some Tokyo. "cheated" and were using a fork!

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Social day - 24th September CT and PE Players. On extreme RHS is Braai Master Dassie Biggs. 2018

PE and Friends set the courts alight!!

The Rugby Test in Port Elizabeth provided the perfect opportunity to finish off a successful weekend with a very social morning’s tennis at Westview Tennis Club! Together with Brian Pincus and his friends from Cape Town, some hard-fought sets took place and apparently there WAS a “winning team” but no one can remember which it was…… Everyone enjoying the day! Not content with organising only tennis, Mike and Pri Bladen went the extra mile and the morning was finished off by a delicious sirloin braai. During lunch, the 2 newest members of the IC were presented with their IC ties. You guys are such a welcome addition to our membership.

Apparently, there are talks about a re-match in Cape Town next year … let’s watch this space.

“Hands across the net, friendship across the ocean” 5 IC SA Newsletter December 2018 Some light refreshments for the teams Newest members Mike Bladen and Tony van Zyl show off their ties.

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It’s off to Cradock we go!! our delight! But what was gained in life experience can Our Junior Tennis Programme now be put into practice – in Kenton-on-Sea reached a protocols, courtesies, rules, milestone when 4 girls training the mind to focus for participated in their first an entire match and so much official tournament in the more. dusty town of Cradock, some 200kms away from home base. The next challenge beckons.

The girls at the guesthouse Having reached the destination, the group excitedly explored their guesthouse, declared their satisfaction and retired to their room for a feast of burgers and television.

The competition was very tough, matches won were few except for one victory, much to

“Hands across the net, friendship across the ocean” 6 IC SA Newsletter December 2018 Junior Tennis in Kenton-on-Sea – a tournament in Cradock, some 250 kms Feel good Story (by Leonie Grondel) away. It is impossible to describe just how much the girls benefitted from their 2 days

away from home. Ably supported by Coach Meet Nosimphiwe and Granny Nono who Khaya, they improved on essentials like hail from Kenton-on-Sea near Port scoring and line-calls and what they gained Elizabeth. in life skills is immeasurable. They did us proud by their demeanour on the court despite losing all their matches except for one who scored an elusive victory! What excitement.

Now aged 14, Nosi says she has no intention of quitting any time soon, so we look forward to the next milestone!

Nosi’s mum passed away in 2013 when she was just 9 years old. She and her sister were taken in by her grandmother in Kenton-on-Sea.

She had no real interests before starting tennis and Granny Nono did a remarkable job ensuring Nosi was not distracted by her environmental distractions such as alcohol abuse, smoking and early pregnancy.

She joined the Junior Tennis Programme in 2015. One would not describe her as a natural sportswoman, even ball skills were a mystery. But with the tennis coaching she became part of a group and she soon became the most committed of all the players. Shot by shot she learned to rally and now has a very workable serve!

The latest milestone was reached very recently when she and 3 other girls were selected to participate in their first official

“Hands across the net, friendship across the ocean” 7 IC SA Newsletter December 2018 PROPOSED TOUR FOR 2019 – Play against Hungary 18 and or 19 Hungary and the Czech Republic June. 20 June return to South Africa.

We have been invited to take part in Rough estimated cost of the tour is a Four Nations event in Prague from around R25000 depending on 12 to 16 June. The hosts, the Czech IC, whether any preferential hotel rates will be inviting two other countries can be organized in both cities. to take part in this annual event. We will play both matches on clay The event follows the conclusion of courts and it is a great opportunity the French Open and it gives anyone to visit two of Europe’s most beautiful who is interested in going to Prague, cities. It also gives those going the the opportunity to visit the second opportunity to “add on” a trip to Grand Slam of the year as part of the another country or even see more of trip. either or both countries.

The venue in Prague is the Czech So far, some 12 people have expressed Lawn tennis Club which is located on interest in going so if anyone would the Stvanice Island on the Vltava like to join us please let me know at River. Go to www.cltk.cz to see the [email protected] venue. The oldest and most prestigious club in the Czech Republic was founded in 1893 It was felt that if we could then and is located right in the center of organize another visit to another Prague, on Stvanice Island. The Czech country close by to the Czech Lawn Tennis Club is easily accessible with Republic, it would make the whole the underground, tram, ship or by car, tour more cost effective for members where parking is always available. so when we found that Hungary was interested in hosting us, it was agreed that we would then go onto Budapest after the completion of the Four Nations event.

The anticipated itinerary is looking like this;

Arrive in Prague on 10 June. Practice and some sight-seeing on 11 June. Four Nations event 12 to 16 June. Sight-seeing on 17 June and possible travel to Budapest.

“Hands across the net, friendship across the ocean” 8 IC SA Newsletter December 2018 SOCIAL GAUTENG IC DAY IN JOHANNESBURG The group that joined for tennis and breakfast (Compiled by Mike Dunk)

It really was a case of if at first you do not succeed, then try, try again.

We tried to hold a social function at the Gauteng Veterans Open tournament which did not get off the ground, but a social mornings tennis with a Christmas theme followed by brunch was well received by 16 members on 9 December at Bryanston Sports Club.

After a week of extremely hot weather the day dawned cloudy and dull which led us to believe that we were destined to once again be Lynn Lyndon, Chester Conroy, Duard Botha and thwarted, this time by the elements. In the end Rosanne Duke ready for action they proved to be on our side as playing conditions in the cooler climate proved beneficial.

We were able to have three rounds of social tennis but within those games we did manage to put together two “matches” one mens and one mixed, of the stronger players and the competitive edge was seen to rise very quickly to the surface! The fact that both matches were decided by a tie break just underlined the fact that the competitive spirit is alive and well even on a “social” day! Rainer Dixel, Reiko Murase, Kathy Nevay and Brunch was served to the hungry and there is Eddie Coombes enjoying the day nothing like three sets of tennis to work up an appetite for eggs and bacon.

Chairman Mike Dunk welcomed and thanked those for supporting the morning and made special mention to those who came along to meet “old” friends event though they did not play. He also took the opportunity to outline what the SA IC has been doing this year and to give news of future events including tours for the next few years as well as outlining the early arrangements for the 70th birthday celebrations for the SA IC.

“Hands across the net, friendship across the ocean” 9 IC SA Newsletter December 2018 THE WESTERN CAPE IC TEAM TENNIS DAY The IC Bluebells: Clinton Richards; REPORT Wynand Wessels; Nannie de Villiers and (Compiled by Lorna Krog) Shirley Larsen.

This was the 3rd attempt at getting the The IC Sunflowers: Bertie Conradie; Des Western Cape members together. The Agliotti; Jenny Cerff and Carol Fallows. previous two were to have a social drink after play at both the Western Province Format: Seniors tournaments. Both had to be • 4 teams playing a round robin. cancelled due to lack of enthusiasm • A scoring system of “first to 7 and from the members. Very depressing for at 6 all a 7-point tiebreak. the team trying to put it together. The • Each tie consisted of 1 x MD, 1 x December date, of course, also playing WD and 2 x MxD. its part. • The No Ad rule • The change of ends tiebreak. However, we did not let this get to us and started planning a tennis day. After Prize-giving: several dates and venues, we decided The winning team each got 1 red and 1 on Sunday 2 December 2018. After much white wine. running around Yvonne and I and met The 2nd team got a shoe bag and a with Noel Retief who gave us a good sleeve of new Wilson balls. deal. So we went ahead with the The 3rd and 4th teams each received a organising and “Oh my goodness it was shoe bag and a sleeve of second-hand like pulling teeth”. I was hoping to have Wilson balls – this to go out and practice 32 players prepared to come out and for the next event. It was all good and play and sent out an email to every everyone had a good laugh. member of the IC, including Jeff and Raven, who were very keen. Unfortunately Jeff had a wedding in Springbok and Raven is working at the Futures tournaments in Stellenbosch. The up side I think will be that all players had such a good morning of tennis, chatting and laughter, that we will have Finalists – IC Sunflowers – Yvonne with Des a better response next time. Agliotti, Carol Fallows, Bertie Conradie and Jenny Cerff Teams:

The IC Roses: Japie Klaasen; Roy Stephenson; Shirley Engers and Barbara Rose-Innes.

The IC Proteas: Archie Rudman; Michael Wolffe; Arlene Gelbart and Vanessa September.

The winners – IC Bluebells – Lorna with Wynand Wentzel. Shirley Larsen, Clinton Richards and Nannie de Villiers

“Hands across the net, friendship across the ocean” 10 IC SA Newsletter December 2018 Snack time: Thank you very much Lorna and Yvonne (and all the other players) for making Yvonne lit a fire, got it going and Clinton yesterday such a fun day. Much Richards did the honours of braaing the appreciated. Regards, Wynand Wessels boerewors with Archie keeping him Thanks everyone for a lovely day and to company, sipping a beer. All players Lorna & Yvonne for all the organizing and and the few spouses each had a boerie roll. There was a cash bar available hard work involved. Much appreciated. Jen which, of course, was used to the full. Cerff This they all enjoyed and left the venue a “happy bunch”. What more could we Dankie Lorna en Yvonne! Lorna you are still have asked for? as vibrant as ever. IC WC are in good hands! You and Yvonne are a formidable team. A great response from players – Regards Archie

Thanks to you and Yvonne for putting together a most enjoyable day. I look forward to our next meeting next year, Mike Wolffe I really enjoyed the morning, despite the discomfort from the shingles I developed just last week.... It’s so very sore. I was desperate for medication when 12 o clock arrived. So I slipped away as soon as our games were over and didn't stay for the Wynand, Clinton, Archie and Michael celebrations and lunch. Xx Vanessa It was good to see all the familiar faces again and nice meeting Nannie. Roy, we can blame your back problems on the dagga team!!! Hope your back pain disappears completely. Thanks Lorna and Yvonne for a super day. Cheers, Barbara Thanks Lorna and Yvonne for all your hard work! It was great tennis and a lovely Nannie, Shirley, Vanessa and Arlene morning. Best wishes. Shirley Engers

Thank you Lorna for an awesome day yesterday. Clinton Hi Lorna and Yvonne, really enjoyed the morning yesterday. Thanks. Arlene I agree. Thanks Lorna. Regards Japie Hi Lorna & Yvonne, Thanks stax for a wonderful day of tennis, good laughs, new friends . A fun day. Cheers Shirley Larsen  Thanks Lorna and Yvonne for your hard Barbara, Shirley, Carol and Jenny work. A great day. Regards, Roy

“Hands across the net, friendship across the ocean” 11 IC SA Newsletter December 2018 2018 Fed Cup update The goal of these camps is to create What a smashing year this has been on and enthusiasm and to form a network and a off the court. The momentum started with camaraderie amongst the female players. the South African Fed cup team winning Quite a few players who are currently at Group III in the Europe/Africa zone in college in America participated in the Montenegro in April this year and camp and tournament. This allowed the continued to grow with two camps held younger players to learn and obtain during the year. valuable information from the older players experiencing tennis in the college system.

The winning Fed Cup team after beating Malta in the finals of Group lll in the Euro/ Africa

Group: Katie Poluta, Chanel Simmonds, Tournament finalists. Theresa van Zyl and Ilze Minette van Vreden, Lungile Ntuli, Madrie Le Hattingh (Fed Cup team member 2017) Roux, Rene Plant, Karen Frye ( physio) and Tucker Vorster ( hitting partner and manager) What the IC Club stands for and does was at the top of the agenda during the formal Both these “next gen” camps were dinner during the camp. Four players sponsored by WIPHOLD, who together with attending the camp were either in the the support of Tennis South Africa, are current Fed Cup team in 2018 or in a determined to but South African women’s previous team, and their IC scarves and tennis back on the map. The first “next pins were handed out to them. It was a gen” camp was held in Johannesburg at fabulous evening and I think the younger the Bryanston Sports Club. Both the club players were all inspired to try to itself and the members of the club worked represent their country in the years to extremely hard to make it a huge success. come.

All the players who participated in the Wiphold Katie Poluta ( Fed Cup 2018)receiving her scarf “ next gen” camp and tournament in July and pin from Mike Dunk

“Hands across the net, friendship across the ocean” 12 IC SA Newsletter December 2018

The four new members Lungile Ntuli, Minette van Vreden, Linge Steenkamp and Ilze Hattingh with Current IC members Rene Plant, Sharon van der Schyff and Rosanne Duke.

The next challenge for the Fed Cup team is to remain in Group II. This will be a tough challenge as the countries participating in this group all have players who are ranked very highly on the WTA ranking. The Fed Cup week will take place in Europe on indoor courts in early February. All the players in the team are ready and excited for the challenges that may lie ahead. The following countries will be participating in Group II: Luxembourg, Tunisia, Israel, Bosnia/Herzegovina, Norway, Austria, Portugal and South Africa.

It has been a privilege to be part of this process and I am very grateful for the opportunities presented to me on and off the court. I firmly believe that with passion and continued hard work the momentum can continue to grow and develop further. Tennis Greetings Rene Plant

“Hands across the net, friendship across the ocean” 13