SHARE

Tennis Supporters Swing for Cameroon Youth

Joseph Oyebog beamed as he showed a picture of a boy who started at his tennis academy in Cameroon and progressed to become a college player in the United States. Events such as Saturday's TennisFest 2011 at Intensity Tennis and Fitness in Norwalk help Oyebog's students reach their dreams.

Proceeds from the event support Oyebog Tennis Academy, which provides tennis instruction for more than 700 children in Cameroon. Oyebog, a former elite tennis player from Cameroon, started the academy in 1999. He finances the organization by giving lessons throughout Fairfield County, primarily in the summer, and through fundraising events. Oyebog teaches frequently on courts at Dwight Elementary School in Fairfield.

"Our organization is getting off the ground,'' Oyebog said. "When you come to an event like this, you're filled with joy. More people are coming out to support our organization, and it's a wonderful feeling."

Saturday's event was one of the best attended yet. The evening featured a "Sponsor a Child" program, where people could donate up to $1,000 to provide equipment and lessons. There was a Pro Challenge Competition, in which tennis professionals from around the region traded shots. There were also competitions for serve speed, accurate serve and point play.

All of the money raised supports OTA, which has taught 5,000 children to play tennis since its inception.

"We have a very active board that has been able to get a lot of things done,'' Oyebog said. "I appreciate it very much. We're getting more attention, especially in Camerron. There is so much potential. We want to provide the opportunity for as many children as we can." 

What is your opinion on Oyebog's mission to assist children in Cameroon? Start the discussion below!

Joseph Oyebog beamed as he showed a picture of a boy who started at his tennis academy in Cameroon and progressed to become a United States college player. Events like Saturday’s TennisFest 2011 at Intensity in Norwalk helped Oyebog’s students reach their dream.

Proceeds from the event support Oyebog Tennis Academy, which provides tennis instruction for 727 children in Cameroon. Oyebog, a former elite tennis player from Cameroon, started OTA in 1999. He finances the organization by giving lessons throughout Fairfield County, primarily in the summer, and through fund-raising events.

“Our organization is getting off the ground,’’ Oyebog said. “When you come to an event like this, you’re filled with joy. More people are coming out to support our organization, and it’s a wonderful feeling.”

Saturday’s event was one of the most well-attended yet. The evening featured a “Sponsor a Child” program, where people could donate up to $1,000 to provide equipment and lessons. There was a Pro Challenge Competition, where tennis professionals from around the region traded shots. There was also competitions for serve speed, accurate serve and point play.

All of the money raised supports OTA, which has taught 5,000 children to play tennis since its inception.

“We have a very active board that has been able to get a lot of things done,’’ Oyebog said. “I appreciate it very much. We’re getting more attention, especially in Camerron. There is so much potential. We want to provide the opportunity for as many children as we can.”

to follow Daily Voice Norwalk and receive free news updates.

SCROLL TO NEXT ARTICLE