In Deschapelles, kids who might not even have sneakers are playing tennis and loving it. Tennis gives children something joyful to look forward to each day, but it’s so much more than fun and games. The sport cultivates discipline, sportsmanship, teamwork, and confidence. It helps with cognitive development, supports academic success, and sparks ambition. The opportunity to play with Club Tennis Deschapelles (CTD) can change the course of a child’s life and uplift their entire family.
The tennis court in Deschapelles is an unexpected treasure in a rural community. It dates back to the early 1900s, when the area was home to the Standard Fruit banana plantation. Plantation managers lived in stone houses and enjoyed a clubhouse, pool, and concrete tennis court ~ unusual amenities for the region. When a banana blight forced the plantation to close in the 1950s, the land was transferred to Hôpital Albert Schweitzer, founded in 1956 by Dr. Larry and Gwen Mellon to serve the local population.
For many years, only foreign hospital staff played on the court. Later, local children – using sticks as racquets and stray balls – taught themselves to play. Their interest caught the attention of staff and community members.
In 2011, residents of Deschapelles expressed a desire for a tennis program that could offer local children – many of whom do not attend school – the chance to learn skills and life lessons through sport. Sister Cities Essex Haiti began bringing donated racquets, strings, grips, tennis balls, and QuickStart Tennis equipment (mini-tennis materials) for young players.
John DeLong, a U.S.-based tennis pro and coach, partnered with several young men in Deschapelles who already knew how to play but, like many young men in Haiti, lacked steady jobs. These men became the first coaches, and a club de tennis was formed for children and teenagers, laying the foundation for what is now Club Tennis Deschapelles (CTD).
Since its founding, CTD has served groups of boys and girls of varying sizes, up to a regular roster of 50 players and as many as 100 children during summer camp. Many walk long distances on dirt paths from homes without electricity, running water, or adequate food, yet they rarely miss a day of practice.
Before the COVID pandemic and the subsequent political instability, CTD regularly sent teams to national competitions sponsored by the Fédération Haïtienne de Tennis. With donated racquets and shoes, deeply committed coaches, and older players mentoring younger ones, CTD athletes became strong competitors. In early 2020, they brought home seven trophies from a qualifying tournament and excelled at the National Championship:
Elivert Philotherene – Boys’ 18 Champion
Auguste Christanelle – Girls’ 12 Runner-Up
One of CTD’s earliest players, James Adler Germinale, went on to represent Haiti on the Davis Cup team.
With travel currently suspended, CTD continues to strengthen skills and community through regular intra-club tournaments.
"Tennis develops my abilities and makes me happy. It is a great experience that might help me make a living one day. I play morning and night and even in the hot sun. I just learned to read the Bible. I would like to learn medicine."
"I like Tennis because it keeps me healthy. I hope that if I go play somewhere else, and I get positive attention, then they will help me to play better. The game of tennis helps me feel better when I am sad. I would like to become a great surgeon."
Despite challenges, including the pandemic, rising costs, political unrest, and the departure of the local head coach to the U.S., CTD continues to thrive. The program now includes an Advanced Training Program, new coaches who aged up through CTD, and a beautifully renovated court.
The 2022 court refurbishment, supported by Hôpital Albert Schweitzer and many generous partners, revitalized the heart of the program. As the coaches wrote:
“From the bottom of our hearts, we want to thank everyone who helped make this a reality. We now have a tennis court that is unmatched in the Artibonite Valley—a court that has put Deschapelles tennis on the map.”
Fundraising tournaments in Florida and Massachusetts have helped sustain the program and connect U.S. tennis communities with young players in Deschapelles.
For more information about the Tennis Program, please click here.