夢回首拍：青少年的網球慈善之旅！ First Racquet: A Youth-led Nonprofit Making Waves Locally and Globally ！

In a bid to promote sports accessibility, First Racquet, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding tennis opportunities for underprivileged children across Angola, has achieved its ambitious mission of sending tennis gear and equipment to Luanda, Angola.

“第一把網球拍”（First Racquet）是一個由二十幾個青春飛揚的高中和初中學生于2023年初創建和領導的非營利慈善組織 501(c)(3)，他們大部分來自德克薩斯州休斯頓和奧斯汀，也有來自俄克拉荷馬和喬治亞州的成員。

During the festive Christmas season of 2023, the children of Academia lustide Tenis Kikuxi Villas Club in Luanda, Angola were delighted to receive a shipment of 10 boxes filled to the brim with 35 bags, 154 racquets, 270 articles of athleticwear, 52 pairs of shoes, 36 hats, and 72 cans of tennis balls from First Racquet. The timely arrival of these supplies brought joy and excitement to the young tennis players there, providing them with essential resources to pursue their passion for the sport. This initiative marks a significant step towards bridging the gap in sports infrastructure and providing opportunities for youth development in the African nation.

“第一把網球拍” 的創始人和幾位核心成員在童年時期于非洲國家安哥拉的首都羅安達學會揮動了他們的第一把網球拍，該非營利組織名字即源于他們的童年回憶及對網球的熱愛。

成立伊始，“第一把網球拍” 就致力于推廣網球運動，特別是支持安哥拉貧困地區的青少年網球運動，並已經取得熠熠成績。

The initiative, led by First Racquet's founder, Gabriel Xu, and a team of over 20 middle and high school students across Texas, Oklahoma, and most recently Georgia, aims to tackle the challenges faced by underprivileged communities in accessing sports facilities and equipment. Angola, a country with a growing interest in tennis but limited resources, stands to benefit greatly from this endeavor.

自成立以來的一年間，“第一把網球拍” 組織了多次慈善網球賽事，並且得到了廣大網球愛好者的熱情支持。每次網球比賽都能吸引到衆多選手踴躍參加，各項賽事的參加人數已經累計超過300人次。比賽注冊的收入及義賣與贊助的所得，使得組織的慈善基金不斷增長。

First Racquet’s mission is to collect and ship gently-used tennis racquets, bags, shoes, hats, and other essential equipment to various regions across Angola. They have collaborated with local organizations and tennis clubs to ensure the effective distribution of the donated items.

與此同時，“第一把網球拍” 還與休斯頓的各大知名網球俱樂部聯合，包括 King Daddy Sports，Bay Area Racquet Club, AD IN Indoor Tennis，Tennis Express 等。在網球俱樂部設置募捐點，接收來自愛心人士捐贈的網球衣物、鞋、球拍、拍線等物資。不僅如此，“第一把網球拍”的成員們還積極與各自高中校隊聯系與宣傳，鼓勵更多的青少年網球選手投身其中。Shadow Creek High School更是爲“第一把網球拍”提供了比賽場地和各種便利。

Speaking on the impact of the initiative, representatives from Angola expressed their appreciation for the organization’s meaningful cause. Coach João from Angola believes that First Racquet's initiative will undoubtedly create new opportunities and inspire a generation of tennis enthusiasts in Angola.

The project has garnered widespread support from the tennis community, with renowned coaches, tennis clubs, and enthusiasts rallying behind the cause. Several sports equipment manufacturers have also showed their support through sponsorships, providing additional resources to facilitate the mission's success.

這一切的努力都是爲了“第一把網球拍”的青少年們心中的一個深情而宏大的目標 — 該目標在2023年底終于予以實現。在2023年的聖誕之際，距離休斯頓萬裏之遙、瀕臨大西洋的西非安哥拉首都羅安達，一群同樣懷著網球夢的少年們收到了一份來自美國的禮物 — 滿載著球拍、球包、球鞋、及運動衣物的貨櫃在經曆了漫長的等待與跋涉後，安全抵達了羅安達的各個主要網球俱樂部和慈善組織。這份凝聚了許多心血與汗水的物資包括35個網球包、154個網球拍、270件衣物、52雙球鞋、36頂球帽及72罐網球等等。羅安達當地媒體積極地報道並贊揚了“第一把網球拍”的善舉；同時給“第一把網球拍”的成員們寄來了孩子們臉上挂著美麗的微笑、拿著他們的第一把網球拍拍攝的溫馨照片。

In addition to its core mission of providing tennis equipment, First Racquet also organizes seasonal UTR charity tennis tournaments and hitting sessions, which not only promote the sport of tennis but also serve as platforms for raising funds and awareness for charitable causes. Through these events, participants not only enjoy friendly competition and skill-building opportunities but also contribute to meaningful endeavors that make a positive impact on society.

As the shipments continue to make their way to Angola, anticipation is high for the positive influence they will have on communities across the country. First Racquet believes that by providing access to tennis equipment, they can empower the youth of Angola to embrace the sport and its values.

2024年，“第一把網球拍”更上一層樓，將慈善網球比賽升級爲正規UTR (Universal Tennis Ranking) 網球賽事，目的是在慈善募捐的前提之下，爲更多的網球選手提供競技的機會。相信這一舉措會吸引更多的網球愛好者加入和傳遞愛心。“第一把網球拍”的組織成員們也會再接再勵，向著下一個深情而宏大的目標前進。