Interview with Sergi Bruguera on volunteering with the Acell Federation

Since when have you been collaborating with the players of the Acell Federation?

I have been actively collaborating since the day I retired. While I was on the tour, I had the opportunity to collaborate occasionally with them. I was asked to do the Special Olympics announcement in 1992 and that was the starting point, since then whenever there was an opportunity, I volunteered to help. This included helping in the organization of a championship or attending the award ceremonies or sharing a clinic with them. As soon as I retired, I offered to get involved with them on a day-to-day basis. They mentioned to me that there was no tennis special academy, so I gathered efforts to get the first one in place. Almost every sport had its own training centre, but they had an unmet need. We established the first training centre and this has grown throughout the years. Acell was the supporting federation for the special players and the pioneer in organizing Special Olympics Catalonia. They received the support of the national organization for the international competition.

What does collaborate with them mean to you?

It has meant a lot to me. The experiences I have had with them are magical and it is unlikely to get them through anything else in life. I love them because they are authentic with no ulterior motives. Everything is about enjoyment, and the impact you have on their personality development is very enriching. They gain confidence, self-assurance, and it is very fulfilling.

How often do these special players practice?

They practice once a week on Thursdays, and occasionally there are championships in Catalonia, Spain, and every four years, the Special Olympics Games are organized for them.

During these training sessions, do you focus uniquely on sport, or do you also try to impart other values?

We focus on making it the best hour of the week for them. If something comes up in a conversation, we take advantage of it, but we focus on them enjoying the training. We start with gymnastics to warm up, joke around, then of course train and improve technically, but we concentrate on making the game fun. Our goal is to make it the best hour of the week for them.

For them, participating in a clinic like the one offered by the Potter Cup, what do you think it means?

It means a lot to them. Generally, they have few social opportunities, and the chance to feel like just another person at an event is greatly appreciated. At that moment, they feel like a part of society, which is incredibly valuable to them. Sharing the court with well-known players makes them feel important. They love it, always keep it on their memory and helps them personally.

Sergi, you know that the philanthropic area of the IC Council supports different projects worldwide. If a meeting of philanthropic project leaders were to be held, would you be willing to dedicate some time to share experiences?

Yes, of course, I love collaborating with these kinds of projects. In the past, I spent time visiting prison to train there and have done other types of collaborations. I am willing to help. I feel very privileged for the opportunities I have had in life, and I believe it's my duty to give something back to the sport that has given me so much.

Thank you Sergi, keep it up….

IC of Australia launch 'Beyond the Tour'

The IC of Australia has launched a new initiative to assist players as they transition to life after professional tennis. The aim of the initiative run by the IC of Australia is to support those retiring as they transition to life after the pro tour by offering; firstly a connection to an ongoing tennis family, then as required, assistance in areas including mentoring, education, job seeking, networking, health and wellbeing.

In partnership with Tennis Australia, the launch of Beyond the Tour (BTT) took place at a cocktail party at the Australian Open. The Vice President of the IC of Australia, Kerryn Pratt, hosted the event with the IC of Australia President, Geoff Masters officially launching the BTT program. There were around 90 attendees from the tennis community.  Both current and former players including; John Newcombe, Evonne Cawley, Frank Sedgman, Scott Draper and Janet Young, and Tennis Australia attendees including; CEO Craig Tiley, Chief Tennis Officer Matt Dwyer and one of the excellent line-up of speakers on the night, Head of Performance, Wally Masur.

Seven new members were inducted into the BTT program on the night; Isabella Holland, Ashling Sumner, Adam Hubble, Stephanie Bengson, Greg Jones, Casey Dellacqua, Sally Peers.

The event was hugely enjoyed by all and the IC was praised for recognising and acting on such an important aspect of life after not only professional tennis, but after all professional sports. The event and the initiative was also picked up in various media coverage:

https://www.playersvoice.com.au/renee-beck-when-cheering-stops/

https://www.theage.com.au/sport/tennis/reid-family-legends-praise-initiative-for-struggling-ex-stars-20190116-p50rpn.html

For more information and who to contact, please visit the IC of Australia website