For most people who pick up a ball and a racquet, international politics is the last thing on their minds. Until one bright May 2006 day in Baghdad, when idealism and extremism landed near the courts of the upmarket Alwiyah Club.
By all accounts, Davis Cup coach Hussein Rashid, 35, and promising players, Nasser Hatem, 28, and Wissam Adel Audal, 25, were dropping off their laundry after practicing at Alwiyah. A car quickly cut them off, followed by a squad of Al-Qaeda hit men who jumped out and shot the three men to death.
More than 15 years later, junior players around Iraq gather anywhere they can find a court to hit, form partnerships and try to fill the shoes of the men and women who came before them. It’s a tall order in a country still recovering from warfare of one kind or another since the former dictator Saddam Hussein seized power in a military coup in 1979. And even though women regularly play tennis in Iraq, the country has not been able to support a Billie Jean King cup team since before the U.S. occupation in 2003.
Photo by Carlotta Cardana
The Peshmerga Park Tennis Team — founded by American journalist Adrian Brune, as well as local coaches, Faris Ayed and Mahmood Nasser — would support youth who want to advance in tennis and possibly field Davis and BJK Cup teams again. Beginning with a modest amount, the Club would supply players from age 7 to 18 with fresh tennis balls, modern tennis racquets, uniforms and tournament travel money to neighboring countries. At the same time as using funds from individuals, the Peshmerga Park Tennis Club is seeking grants and equipment from foundations, clubs and other Western associations until Iraq's own tennis association is able to support its players again.
To donate money, go to the Peshmerga Park Tennis Team Just Giving Page or contact Adrian Brune at ambrune@gmail.com for a donation of lightly used tennis balls, racquets, shoes and clothing.