Wheelchair Tennis South Africa (WTSA) is planning to hand over the reins of its programmes and operations to Tennis South Africa (TSA) and the organizations are in advanced negotiations to finalise an agreement that will see Wheelchair Tennis become part of the national body of tennis and operate as a key department.
The two parties are hoping to have the new arrangement in place in the next few months, but this timeline is dependent on both parties fulfilling key legal and governance requirements.
Wheelchair Tennis and able-bodied tennis run as one entity in every other country around the world and WTSA Manager Karen Losch believes the merger will open doors to more opportunities, “We are incredibly excited about the potential this change will unlock for the sport in the years to come. We are stronger together.”
Wheelchair Tennis South Africa has had an incredible journey since its inception in 2005, being considered by the ITF as one of the global success stories in introducing the sport, making it one of the top wheelchair tennis structures and nations in the world – a milestone very few sporting codes ever reach.
Losch thanked players, coaches, employees, sponsors and other stakeholders for the amazing accomplishments, “We would like to send a special Thank You to our players, coaches, employees and other stakeholders for their continued support and commitment over the years, and unwavering dedication to the sport and most importantly, to player development. For their unfaltering commitment, we thank them and hope they continue with the same spirit”.
We are confident that there will be many more accomplishments to celebrate ahead,” added Losch.
Tennis South Africa will send communication in due course regarding future plans. However, the goals and vision for Wheelchair Tennis remain unchanged - to introduce and offer the sport to as many physically disabled individuals as possible.
The coaching programmes within centres will continue to run as is until further notice.