KidsOnTheBall

In an historic meeting on March 1, 2016, the Cuban government approved a project to rebuild the tennis courts at the National Tennis Center in Havana, Cuba. The project is the vision of Jake Agna, tennis pro of Burlington, Vermont. Agna has travelled to Havana several times in the last year to play with kids who are just learning tennis and some incredibly talented players. “These are great kids, with great hearts, pride in their community and love for each other. We have things to share, but also much to learn from them,” said Agna. “When we saw the National Tennis Center we were stunned. Courts were crumbling, nets held up by chairs, tennis balls were thread bare, and racquets needed stringing,” said Agna. The renovations to the courts are projected to cost $600,000. Generous financial support from the Robert Stiller Family Foundation, The Argosy Foundation, the Serena Fund and other donors make it possible for construction to begin in early May. Kids on the Ball-Cuba continues to seek financial support for phases two and three of the project, which include the renovation of the building at the tennis center and an exchange program for players.