Proace Academy gives kids a winning chance in tennis

In a bid to enhance the lives of underprivileged children, former Penang state tennis player K. Manimaran, 56, has been dedicatedly teaching tennis through the Proace Tennis Academy since April 2018.

The academy, which operates from two tennis courts at the St. Xavier’s Institution at Lebuh Farquhar. currently has around 200 registered children.

The initiative aims to provide tennis training to underprivileged children and foster character development.

Former tennis star champions children

Established in 2018, Proace Tennis Academy has been a beacon of hope for underprivileged children in Penang, offering them the opportunity to learn tennis from qualified coaches.

Manimaran, the founder and head coach, expressed his aspirations, stating, “It will be my dream come true if one of our students secures a college or university tennis scholarship to further their studies overseas.”

“We have a dedicated group of 15-20 participants from Ramakrishna Ashrama, and some students even make the journey from places as distant as Juru and Kepala Batas,” shared Manimaran.

Ramakrishna Ashrama, located on Scotland Road in Penang, serves as an orphanage and Tamil primary school catering to Indian children aged between 6 and 20 years old.

Manimaran highlighted the broader aspects of tennis, saying, “Tennis, like many other sports, is not just about the sport itself.

It is about character building and integrating life’s lessons such as discipline, integrity, and ethics into the sport itself.”

Proace Academy coaches Penang’s future winners

The Proace Tennis Academy offers a comprehensive six-month training programme for students aged between 7 and 14 years old.

The coaching staff includes qualified coaches with at least an International Tennis Federation (ITF) Level 2 Certification, assisted by a group of professional and experienced coaches.

The academy has seen success, with students participating and winning medals in local and national competitions.

Last year, sisters Agasini, 18, and Agilasini Chandramogan, 17, represented their respective schools in MSSPP. Agasini went on to represent Penang State in MSSM.

Currently, Agasini is taking her SPM exams at SMK Tunku Puan Habsah, while Agilasini is attending SMK Convent Green Lane.

MITRA funds Proace Academy to inspire youth

The academy, previously run on public funds, has now received financial support from MITRA, marking a significant milestone for the programme.

Manimaran, reflecting on the progress, said, “Now, with MITRA’s support, we can expand our reach and provide more opportunities for these children.”

With the new intake commencing classes from January 22, 2024, the Proace Tennis Academy is poised to continue making a positive impact on the lives of underprivileged children.

The classes, held weekly on Saturdays at St. Xavier’s Institution, aim to instil valuable life lessons such as teamwork and humility.

Reflecting on the origins of the coaching programme, Manimaran stated, “Years ago, Datuk Dhinagaran, the owner of Jaya Catering and Restaurant in Gelugor, consistently urged me to start coaching.

He generously sponsored the program with equipment like rackets and tennis balls to kick-start our efforts.

Later on, Ramkarpal Singh, the former Deputy Minister of Law and Institutional Reforms, became our academy’s patron, providing crucial ongoing financial support.”.

Ramkarpal commended the initiative, stating, “Sports is one way to keep children occupied and stay away from bad influences. Proace Tennis Academy provides the children with skills and knowledge, and valuable life lessons.”

Proace Tennis Academy continues to serve as a catalyst for positive change in the lives of underprivileged children, offering them not only sports training but also essential life skills for a brighter future.