Group of longtime tennis players inspired by young tennis star

Photo: Contributed

Group of longtime tennis players with Calvin Thalheimer at Global Gym

A group of longtime Kelowna tennis players were inspired by an up-and-coming tennis star.

Back on March 10, Castanet shared a story about Kelowna's Calvin Thalheimer, an amateur tennis player preparing for a trip overseas where he hopes to break into the professional scene.

A group of players at Global Fitness & Racquet Centre said they saw the story and wanted to do what they could to help.

"We all know Calvin really well. We are often playing on the court beside him and one in our group noticed the story and sent a link around to everybody and we all threw some money in the hat" Peter Schultz.

Thalheimer is headed to Europe where he says he’ll have the opportunity to get into some professional tournaments.

Schultz says his group pitched in to raise $500 and convinced the management of Global Gym to match their donation.

On Sunday morning the group of tennis players presented Thalheimer with a $1,000 cheque.

“This support could mean the funds necessary to reach three or four more tournaments while in Europe," Thalheimer said.

The amateur tennis player has his bags packed for April 11.

"We all wish him well," Schultz added.