Digital Storytelling
Bulgaria
- Remarkable Personal Growth: The storytelling videos from Bulgaria vividly capture the remarkable personal growth of each child. Observing their initial apprehension and witnessing the transformation into confident and enthusiastic tennis players is heartening. Beyond the court, the videos show glimpses of improved self-esteem, teamwork, and an overall positive change in their outlook.
- Community Impact: The impact of tennis extends beyond individual development in Bulgaria. Through the stories, it’s evident that the program has created a sense of community and support among the children. Friendships have blossomed, and a supportive network has been established, demonstrating how tennis can foster not only individual growth but also community cohesion.
- Aspirations and Dreams: The videos showcase the aspirations and dreams kindled in the hearts of Bulgarian children. It’s inspiring to see how tennis has ignited dreams of becoming professional players or coaches. These aspirations go beyond the court, instilling a sense of ambition and possibility in these young minds.
This is Valeria from the village of Ognianovo. She is 11 years old.
“Life in the village sometimes makes me feel like I’m not in the right place, but tennis changed that for me. It made me stronger, not only physically but also mentally. I learned discipline and resilience. Tennis gave me the sense that I’m not alone, but part of a team. I want to continue playing and perhaps inspire other children from our village to join us.”
Link to the video: https://fb.watch/oDXlxYCwoV/
This is Presian from the village of Govedare. He is 11 years old.
“Tennis has improved my self-esteem. Until recently, I was shy and unsure of myself. But now, I am confident and proud of my achievements. Life in our village is not easy, but tennis gives me hope. It has given me a purpose. I train harder and set higher goals for myself. I believe in myself more than ever, thanks to this sport.”
Link to the video: https://fb.watch/oDXpQFcURA/
This is Georgi from the village of Kalugero. He is 13 years old.
“In our village, opportunities for sports, and more, are quite limited. Tennis has become everything to me. It’s not just a sport; it has become my guide. I’ve learned discipline and teamwork. Moreover, on the court, I’ve met friends who have become like family to me. Life in the village is not easy, but tennis has taught me to have bigger dreams. I don’t want to stop; I want to continue and see how far I can go. Thank you!”
Link to the video: https://fb.watch/oDXsFPg8-M/
This is Alexander from the village of Malo Konare. He is 11 years old.
“Tennis is like a breath of fresh air in my life. In the village, sometimes, a routine can set in, but tennis disrupts that. It has shown me the value of practice and effort, not only in tennis but also in life. My dream is to continue playing and to spread tennis to the surrounding villages. I want other children to experience what I have felt on the court – the feeling of freedom and the opportunity to become the best version of themselves.”
Link to the video: https://fb.watch/oDXsFPg8-M/
This is Nikol from the village of Bushuly. She is 11 years old.
“In our village, opportunities for sports, and more, are quite limited. Tennis has become everything to me. It’s not just a sport; it has become my guide. I’ve learned discipline and teamwork. Moreover, on the court, I’ve met friends who have become like family to me. Life in the village is not easy, but tennis has taught me to have bigger dreams. I don’t want to stop; I want to continue and see how far I can go. Thank you!”
Link to the video: https://fb.watch/oDY1dga9Mi/
Austria
- Holistic Development: The Austria storytelling videos showcase the holistic development of children in the program. It’s evident that tennis is not just a sport but a tool for nurturing well-rounded individuals. The videos capture moments of physical improvement, intellectual engagement, and emotional resilience, illustrating a comprehensive approach to child development.
- Mentorship Impact: The influence of mentors is a standout feature in the Austria videos. Mentors are not merely coaches; they are mentors and role models who play a significant role in shaping the children’s characters. The videos depict the meaningful connections formed between mentors and children, emphasizing the mentorship impact beyond the technical aspects of tennis.
- Joyful Learning Environment: The storytelling videos exude a joyful learning environment in Austria. Children are seen not only learning tennis skills but doing so in an atmosphere of joy and camaraderie. The program has successfully created an environment where learning is fun, fostering a love for the sport that extends beyond the training sessions.
This is Felix; he is 15 years old.
“I’ve had a lot of fun during these hours. I regret starting to play tennis so late.”
Link to the video: https://fb.watch/oDY7h4jVXq/
This is Emma; she is 8 years old.
“There is no tennis at our school, so I am glad to have the opportunity to train here. It gives me great pleasure. The trainers are very good, but I’m still not that good with my forehand and backhand.”
Link to the video: https://fb.watch/oDYatFjpBw/
This is Maximilian; he is 15 years old.
“Unfortunately, there is no tennis in our village. Hristo is an amazing instructor, and I have learned a lot during these lessons. Thanks to Tennis Arena Dornbirn for being close to us. Everything was perfect.”
Link to the video: https://fb.watch/oDYcNOURfj/
This is Lasse from Stettenhausen. She is 7 years old.
“Unfortunately, there is no tennis in our village. The shots that bring me joy are the forehand and the serve. I visit frequently, and one day, I want to become a true professional.”
Link to the video: https://fb.watch/oDYfiyyXBb/
This is Paul, he is 15 years old.
“I am very glad that I discovered tennis. Tennis Arena Dornbirn is fantastic. Coach Hristo is an amazing person, and through these training sessions, I have learned a lot from them, for which I sincerely thank them.”
Link to the video: https://fb.watch/oDYnvF1EAA/
Germany
- Cultural Integration: The storytelling videos from Germany highlight the cultural integration facilitated by the tennis program. It’s evident that the program has become a bridge, bringing together children from diverse backgrounds. Tennis has served as a universal language, fostering unity and breaking down cultural barriers.
- Family Engagement: The videos showcase the active involvement of families in Germany. Parents are seen attending matches, cheering for their children, and actively participating in program-related events. This family engagement not only supports the children but also strengthens the bonds within the community, emphasizing the holistic impact of the program.
- Emotional Resonance: The storytelling videos effectively convey the emotional resonance of the program in Germany. Beyond skill development, the children express a deep emotional connection to tennis. From moments of triumph to instances of overcoming challenges, the emotional journey of each child is portrayed authentically, creating a powerful narrative that resonates with viewers.
This is Malik from Bernhausen. He is 12 years old.
“In our school, I don’t have the opportunity to play tennis, so I’m happy that I can come here. Tennis has taught me teamwork, and I also find many new friends. The tennis training sessions themselves bring me great pleasure. The coaches explain things very clearly, and when we make a mistake, they show us how to do it correctly.”
Link to the video: https://fb.watch/oDYrt8ly0s/
This is Yannis from Silenbuh
“In Silenbuh, we don’t have conditions for tennis, so I’m glad that you found me, and I can come here because it’s really nice. I really like tennis because it’s a sport in motion, and I can play every day with different kids who become my friends. Also, I like tennis because it leaves me time for learning.”
Link to the video: https://fb.watch/oDYuzszxaM/
This is Emily from Eselfingen-Zauberberg. She is 8 years old.
“I go to school in Aichendorf. Unfortunately, there are no tennis facilities there. I have tried several sports, and now I decided to try tennis, which I currently really enjoy. The coaches try to explain well, even though I don’t always understand them, and they don’t always understand me. But then they explain again slowly, and things happen.”
Link to the video: https://fb.watch/oDYygjSB4l/
This is Lorenz from Osfelden. He is 8 years old.
“I live in Ruid, where I also go to school. I like playing tennis because I enjoy how many times a week we get to play and the fact that it’s free for all of us who play. The training sessions are very good, and one day, I hope to become a European champion, even though it will be very difficult.”
Link to the video: https://fb.watch/oDYAmtYkcN/
This is Artus from Eselfingen-Zauberberg. He is 8 years old.
“In school, we don’t have tennis, so I’m happy that I can come here. Playing tennis with many different kids brings me joy. The coaches explain things quite well, and my favorite shots are the forehand and backhand. My dream is to become a professional tennis player one day.”
Link to the video: https://fb.watch/oDYD1Id4TN/
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency. Neither the European Union nor the European Education and Culture Executive Agency can be held responsible.
