Street tennis begins with 'LOVE'

Gijs Van Wezel

In contrast, football and many other sports start with 'nil:nil.' When the first point is scored in street tennis, it becomes 'fifteen-love.'

With this lovely opening line, Moeeb, a migrant ex-student from Pakistan, commenced our street tennis presentation this week for other migrant students at Kuala Lumpur's Ideas Academy. As teenagers Moeeb and Habeel began attending my weekly street tennis sessions in 2018. They have now taken on the role of mentoring new young students, helping them get started with rackets and tennis balls. This is a genuine act of community service driven by love.

This love extends to sports, creativity, and personal and leadership development.

My role as a Life Coach and Team Facilitator in Open Space is aimed at bringing out the best in people. Street tennis is a product of my passion and love for the game of tennis. It's truly gratifying to have Ayaat, Hubeel, and Moeeb supporting this idea by paying it forward.

Any company or team leader interested in addressing talent development, team collaboration, co-creation, or communication in combination with a fun activity like street tennis is most welcome to contact me. Since 2014, not only has street tennis been played in Manila, Shanghai and now Kuala Lumpur, but I have also coached managers and private individuals from many countries, including multinationals and local business teams throughout Asia.

Love, passion, and taking responsibility for your passion lead to fascinating results.

GIJS VAN WEZEL

Street tennis begins with 'LOVE'