A touching tribute from a proud father

Image: Mr Cliford 'Cliffie' Swartz (Secretary of the WCTF) and his son, Courtney Swartz after his win at the SA National Vets Tennis Tournament last week.

We the tennis family of the Western Cape, are always quick to congratulate the success of our own - whether its players, coaches, officials and any who achieve success in the game. But Courtney's win at last week's SA National Vets tournament can best be summed up by someone who knows Courtney better than anyone else - his father.

We caught up with Cliffie after his son's win and this is the touching message he conveyed:

'I've always been reluctant and too careful in praising my own children when they achieve. whilst being quietly proud of their achievements, I'm always very quick to congratulate and praise the slightest accomplishments of others. But last week, I spent 4 days at the SA National Vets Tennis Tournament watching my eldest son Courtney play and so many memories crossed my mind! He won 🏆 Nationals of his age group with a display of "genius" on the tennis court. So, congratulations son!

As a junior, tennis and cricket was his thing. His school team mates called him Lara; at 14 he was the youngest in the school first team that toured England. He was offered a scholarship to Bishops where he was opening batsman and no 1 tennis player. He represented 3 provinces in tennis as a junior (because of my job moves), EP, Gauteng North, WP and WP as a senior. He also represented South African Schools! He gained a USA tennis scholarship and later qualified as USPTR tennis coach and worked in London and the South of France. He also qualified as an ITF Level 1 Tennis Coach.

Coming back to SA he was hit with adversity resulting into hardship and struggles. But Im happy to say he has overcome those battles and is slowly working to utilise the talent that God blessed him with to assist junior tennis players, especially those who are struggling to navigate through the massive socio-economic challenges that plague our communities.

We officially welcome Courtney to our South African Tennis Development Foundation Team to head up our Catiza Academy of Tennis (CAT) and look forward to the value he'll bring to our programmes and projects. It isn't EASY but it is WORTH IT! Together we will Re-Vive, Re-Store and Re-Build tennis in our township and rural communities', concluded Cliffie.

Courtney, you made us all proud. Congratulations on your win at the SA National Vets Tennis Tournament.