Shahar Peer, the most senior tennis player in the history of women’s tennis in Israel, donated dozens of tennis rackets, pairs of shoes and new clothing to girls who play in the 17 tennis and education centers in Israel. Peer’s equipment will be used by the girls who play in the achievement and competitive programs of the tennis and education centers in Israel. Some of them are even integrated into the supportive community programs of the centers, against the background of a variety of personal challenges and in order to provide them with tools and skills for success in the educational and social frameworks as well. These days, a special tennis program has also been launched in the centers for the children of the periphery, at the initiative of another former tennis player, Andy Ram. The program was launched in Ofakim, Tiberias and Kiryat Shmona, and will later be expanded to Arad and the town of Sajur in the Galilee.
Peer grew up from the Tel Aviv Tennis and Education Center in the Yad Eliyahu neighborhood. She started playing at the age of 6, after a coach at the center saw her by chance and ran for pleasure on the pitches and invited her for a practice session. Since then she has not dropped out of them for 23 years, including 13 years as a professional tennis player on the world tour. At the beginning of 2017, Peer retired from tennis, after a series of achievements, including winning five WTA tournaments for singles, three WTA tournaments for doubles, six ITF tournaments for singles and four for doubles. In addition, she has won eight Israeli senior championships, participated in the Beijing and London Olympics and led the Israel Federation team to the Upper House. At its peak, Peer was ranked 11th in the world.
The Tennis and Education Centers in Israel said: “We thank Shahar Pe’er for the thought and giving. Shahar, as a professional player, has inspired many girls and even now, with her exciting support, she is an inspiration for cultivating tomorrow’s champions, especially in such a challenging time.”