The courts of the Buenaventura Sports Club prepared to receive the instructors of the Rafa Nadal Academy and, together with the students registered in the different categories, experienced an intense week of high level tennis.
Buenaventura dressed up to receive the Rafa Nadal Academy for the first time. The Sports Club courts were witnesses to the intense training that the international instructors, accompanied by local staff, developed with registered players.
For six days the players learned how to play modern and creative tennis, an attractive game, with advanced technical and tactical skills and an exclusive training methodology called Building a Champion.
We spoke to Lorena Rionda, one of the Academy’s coaches, so she could tell us more about her experience in Panama.
BVA: First time in Panama?
LR: Yes, it is the first time that I come to Panama and it has been a great experience. Impressive, really. A spectacular deal. Panama personally has surprised me, I did not imagine it like this and the weather is super cool. The resort is amazing.
BVA: How about the courts?
LR: Very good. Of course, we are missing a few more -she says while she laughs-. The surface is very good and it shows that they are really well cared for.
BVA: How has Buenaventura treated you?
LR: It really is like being home. What I liked the most is the beach. I love the beach, the pool and the sun and the weather accompanies all this. I would recommend it to anyone who wants a place to relax, play sports, enjoy, be in peace almost without people and enjoy these wonderful days.
BVA: And how about the level of the students in the camp?
LR: We have seen great improvement. The truth is that they are incredible boys, adults too, amazing and we are very happy, very comfortable with everyone.
BVA: Were your expectations met?
LR: Completely. Hopefully we can come back next year. With fewer hours on the court and more at the beach.
Lorena is part of the Academy staff that also includes Francesco Oliva, Guillaume Vanelven and Tomas Prieto Sorensen. While the local support team was made up of Vincent Melillo, Roseline Chávez, Emanuel Maddaloni and Juan Pablo ‘Coco’ Aguilera.
For the manager of Sport Club and Director of the Tennis School, Juan Pablo ‘Coco’ Aguilera, “without a doubt it was a great event. For our team, being able to share on the court with these great Academy coaches and seeing the children’s joy fills us with satisfaction. We are very motivated to continue with this training and we hope to repeat it in 2023”, he stated.
