Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, January 1, 2024 – Papua New Guinea’s leading junior women’s tennis player, Colita Hakena, is set to embark on a transformative journey as she secures a coveted year-long Oceania Tennis Federation (OTF)/International Tennis Federation (ITF) scholarship at the esteemed Lavie Academy in Auckland, New Zealand.
The 13-year-old, hailing from mixed Morobe and Bougainvillean parentage, will bid farewell to Port Moresby on Wednesday, January 3, 2024, marking the commencement of her participation in the OTF/ITF Touring Team Programme 2024.
The primary aim of this groundbreaking intensive training programme is to offer crucial financial, competitive, and educational support to propel OTF players towards success at the Junior Grand Slam Championship, secure a US National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) scholarship, and proudly represent their country/region in the Davis Cup and Billie Jean King Cup.
Dianne Hasavi, Colita’s emotional mother, expressed today the sacrifices made by herself and her husband, Raymond Hakena, over the past five years to see Colita rise to the rank of the top junior player in Papua New Guinea and Oceania. Notably, one of her sons, Sugar Ray, is currently the top-ranked junior men’s player in Papua New Guinea and among the best in Oceania. Both Colita and Sugar Ray are products of the late legendary Papua New Guinea tennis coach, Kwalam Apisah, at the Port Moresby Tennis Club.
Ms. Hasavi is appealing for support to meet the parental component of US$5,000 (K17,000) by January 15, 2024, to ensure Colita’s successful completion of the programme.
“The ITF scholarship is an incredible opportunity for Colita,” Ms. Hasavi affirmed.
“Valued at over US$50,000 (K170,000), it requires a parental commitment of US$5,000. We appeal to the private sector, government, or any generous individuals willing to contribute, to help us reach the targeted amount by January 15 for Colita.”
For those interested in contributing or seeking more information, Ms. Hasavi can be reached at mobile number 72761446.
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