Tennis has been a vehicle of learning for David Yax.
"Tennis has done a lot for him," said his mother, Velma Yax. "He couldn't speak English when he first came here, but through tennis he learned the language and met other kids. He was very excited about tennis the first time he picked up the racket. It was something new for him, and he was determined to learn."
David, 12, is a native of Guatemala. After coming to Augusta several years ago, he began playing tennis with the MACH Academy, an educational and recreational program for youths.
"I like being active," he said. "I meet other kids, and I learn a lot."
He has made major improvement as a player, program coordinator Mark O'Neal said. "David has become one of our better players. He has improved in many areas and is doing well for his age and his size," he said. "He catches on quickly and is an example of a hard worker and a leader."
Tennis now has presented another learning opportunity for David. He has been selected to participate in the 2008 U.S. Tennis Association/National Junior Tennis League Tennis Leadership Camp in Washington, D.C., which runs from Tuesday through July 28. He is one of 40 children and the only one from Georgia selected to attend.
The camp will focus on a variety of topics, including character and leadership development, sportsmanship, physical fitness and proper nutrition.
Mr. O'Neal said that the experience will help David grow as a leader.
"David is a bit shy and timid, but this is an opportunity for him to work on that," he said. "It will be beneficial for him, and it will help him to become a future leader on a local level or even a national level. When he returns, he will be very confident in his abilities as a leader and a tennis player."
Though David is nervous about attending the camp, he hopes to learn a lot. "I'm going to listen, try, and work hard," he said.
Reach Nikasha Dicks at (706) 823-3336 or nikasha.dicks@augustachronicle.com.
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