Former tennis player Joseline Umulisa has made history as the first Rwandan to become a member of International Tennis Club of the United States of America (USIC). Umulisa was recognized for her dedication to improving the lives of Rwandan children through tennis and education through her development initiative dubbed ‘Tennis Rwanda Children’s Foundation (TRCF).’ READ ALSO: From Genocide ruins to tennis icon: The making of Joselyne Umulisa The former Rwandan women’s top seed, on Tuesday, March 12, completed her 11-day trip to the United States where she was invited by BNP Paribas, an event attended by top tennis players including men’s world number one Novak Djokvic, and number two Daniil Medvedev and US Open champion Emma Raducanu among other renowned figures in the world tennis ecosystem. Umulisa told Times Sport that the purpose of her trip was to share her inspirational story of how tennis helped her heal physically and emotionally after surviving the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. “It was a great experience as I had the opportunity to learn from the best. I was invited to share my story of survival after the genocide and how tennis aided in my physical and emotional healing of that tragedy,” she said in an interview. During her trip, Umulisa had the chance to share her testimony at various major tennis courts while she also presented her documentary film on Tennis Channel TV. On being recognized as an International Tennis Member, she said, It's a huge accomplishment for me to be acknowledged internationally, something that fills me with pride and benefits the country as well. Born on July 14, 1984 in Kirehe District of the Eastern Province, Umulisa was the seventh child in a family of eight, consisting of five girls and three boys. Tragically, at just nine years old, her parents Pierre Claver Gashumba (RIP) and Godberthe Mukangarambe (RIP), along with five siblings, lost their lives during the Genocide against the Tutsi. Umulisa herself sustained back injuries during the genocide. To aid her recovery, she was advised to engage in physical activity. Reflecting on her journey after the tragic events of 1994, Umulisa said, After losing my parents, siblings, and family, I relied solely on the government for everything - school fees, insurance, and all essential support.” Establishing this foundation is my way of giving back to the government. Umulisa said her trip was aimed at raising funds for her foundation (TRCF), which focuses on teaching tennis to underprivileged children and promoting the Foundation. She said, I also aimed to raise awareness about the foundation and garner support to fulfill all our foundation's responsibilities. After her initiative left so many impressed, she revealed that Novak Djokovic pledged to visit her foundation in Rwanda. About USIC The USIC is an original member of one of the oldest tennis organisations in the world–the International Tennis Club (IC) in 1931. Today there are 44 ICs around the world with over 4,500 members and 18 philanthropy projects being sustained. Most importantly, the original concept of the club still stands as players of all nations compete with the highest of sportsmanship and come together afterwards in social union, signifying the ic spirit of ‘hands across the net, friendship across the ocean.’
