Twenty-four attend 35th annual Soyuzivka Tennis Camp (07/21/02)

Twenty-four attend 35th annual Soyuzivka Tennis Camp

by Petrusia Sawchak

KERHONKSON, N.Y. - Under hot sunny skies with the beautiful rolling hills of the Shawangunk Mountains framing the landscape, the 35th annual tennis camp was held at the Ukrainian National Association estate, Soyuzivka, from June 22 to July 4. This year's camp was dedicated to the memory of the late Zenon Snylyk, editor of Svoboda and The Ukrainian Weekly, soccer legend and tennis activist, who along with George Sawchak conducted the camp since its inception in 1968.

Twenty-four children ranging in age from 10 to 16 attended the camp. Many of them have returned year after year.

"This is my fifth year at tennis camp," said Nick Milan of Brooklyn. "I am learning a lot about playing tennis here because the instructors keep our interests high, and I enjoy the fun times we have after practice."

Each day began with a series of exercises, followed by a jog to develop stamina. The campers had extensive tennis instruction, from basic strokes to court strategies for five to six hours a day - two hours in the morning, two or more in the afternoon and one hour after dinner. Campers were also able to enjoy Soyuzivka's Olympic-size pool to cool off, especially on hot days. Fun activities after tennis included campfires, cookouts, movies, night-time swims, dances and Soyuzivka's popular Hutsul Night.

The last few days of camp were devoted to tennis tournaments. The results were as follows:

Boys Group I:

1. Adam Domaradsky,
2. Nick Milan,
3. Adam Ogonoloski.

Girls Group I:

1. Alexandra Magee,
2. Larissa Woskob,
3. Andrea Kusina.

Boys Group II:

1. Vlad Samokhval,
2. Stephan Jarmak,
3. Artem Derkatch.

Group IV:

1. Christina Vorobets,
2. Eddie Parfan,
3. Anna Matveychuk.

During a banquet held the last night of camp, awards were given to the winners in all groups. The coveted best camper trophies were awarded to Miss Woskob, Miss Kusina, Mr. Milan and George Woskob for their good behavior and attitude both on and off the courts.

Musical interludes on the piano were also given by Miss Woskob, Mr. Samokhval and Mr. Woskob.

Mr. Sawchak, camp director, thanked everyone for making this camp successful, especially Leda Sawchak Kopach, an accomplished tennis player and teacher, who served as co-director. Mr. Sawchak encouraged everyone to continue practicing the tennis skills and strategies they had learned at camp when they go home. He also emphasized other skills that are important in developing character: mutual respect, honesty and fairness in playing and working with others.

A special thank-you was extended to Olya Czerkas for being camp supervisor off the courts and for providing campers with a booklet to help everyone to keep in touch. The camp counselors were Maya Milanytch, Ariana Flis and Marko Czerkas.

The camp was further enhanced by the teaching experience of Don Kopach and Adrian Kutko, noted tennis players.

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