Can tennis reduce conflicts, and even wars? | Illya Bakurov | TEDxPacific Avenue
A simple fact of the universe: energy doesn't disappear - it’s redirected.In this powerful TEDx talk, Illya Bakurov explores how sports, especially tennis and other racquet sports, can transform surpluses of energy into connection, resilience, and potentially peace.Drawing from his journey growing up in post-Soviet Ukraine with limited access to courts, to discovering free public courts in Canada and the US, he makes a compelling case: When we give people, especially young people, a place to move, to sweat, to release, to hit things safely we don’t just build athletes - we build healthier, happier and more connected humans and societies. We build peace.This is a call to reimagine the game of tennis not just as a sport, but as a way to heal ourselves, and our world. And, maybe, that's why every game starts with LOVE - LOVE!
Illya Bakurov is a Ukrainian-born tech entrepreneur focused on leveraging the power of technology for young and old alike, an educator, and lifelong tennis player who believes play is not a luxury— but rather a necessity for life, and peace.Today, as a father, coach, and community builder, he teaches tennis and pickleball while championing a bold idea: build courts, not weapons. His vision is to create a world-class tennis club where coaches teach not only the game, but life itself—emphasizing nutrition, sleep, mental health, and resilience alongside skill. For Illya, racquet sports convert surplus energy into connection, healing, and hope. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
More from TED
- 19:52Can Passion Build a Career? | Sijo Chandran | TEDxMACECan following your passion really lead to a successful career? Sijo Chandran, Young Chef of the Year 2023 and Director of Operations at RCP Group, believes it can, if you’re willing to take risks, experiment, and keep asking “what if?” In this inspiring TEDxMACE talk, Sijo shares his journey from a curious kid in the kitchen to a culinary innovator, showing how passion, persistence, and a little creativity can turn dreams into reality. Some chefs measure ingredients. Chef Sijo Chandran measures possibilities. From his first spark of curiosity in a kitchen to becoming Young Chef of the Year 2023 and Director of Operations at RCP Group, Sijo has never just followed recipes-he's rewritten them, flipped them, and occasionally set them on fire (on purpose, of course). For him, food isn't just about taste-it's about asking what if?, mixing the unexpected, and serving up something unforgettable. At TEDXMACE, he's here to prove that the best flavours-and ideas-come from those bold enough to break the mold. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 20:00Can a Lie Be So Beautiful You Never Question It? | Santhosh Raman | TEDxMACEIn this captivating talk, art director Santhosh Raman delves into the power of stories, illusions, and the lies we choose to believe. Through the lens of art and creativity, he explores how beauty can shape perception, blur the lines between truth and fiction, and even comfort us when reality feels too harsh. This thought-provoking session challenges you to reflect on the narratives you accept and whether questioning them might change your world. Movies are more than just stories-they are experiences, worlds that pull us in and make us believe. And behind those worlds is someone like Santhosh Raman, a master of visual storytelling. An award-winning production designer and art director, Santhosh has worked on over 60 films, each one proving his ability to turn imagination into reality. From transforming a warehouse in Kochi into a war-torn Iraqi hospital for Take Off-a feat that won him the National Film Award for Best Production Design-to crafting the grand, immersive world of Malik, his work is proof that sets are not just backdrops; they are silent storytellers. Every film he touches feels alive because he believes in details-the worn-out pages of a book on a desk, the way sunlight filters through an old window, the chaotic perfection of a busy marketplace are all testament to his vision, proving once again that cinema is not just about what we see but what we feel. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 16:55How Can Introverts Navigate a World Designed for Extroverts? | Chinnu Chandni | TEDxMACEIn this inspiring talk, actor Chinnu Chandni explores the challenges introverts face in a world that often celebrates extroversion. With warmth, honesty, and personal insights, she shares how introverts can embrace their strengths, thrive in social settings, and create space for authentic self-expression. This talk is a powerful reminder that introversion is not a weakness, it’s a different way of engaging with the world, one that holds its own unique brilliance. Chinnu Chandni is an Indian actor and artist & theatre practitioner who primarily works in Malayalam cinema. She started her film journey with 'Anuraga Karikin Vellam' and gained recognition through the critically acclaimed Thamaasha'. With a strong background in the arts, she holds an MPhil in Theater Arts and has undergone training in classical Indian dance and music. In a short span, she has garnered critical praise for her nuanced performances, prompting conversations around representation, body positivity and self-confidence. Furthermore, she has received numerous awards, challenging stereotypes along the way, and has featured in notable films like Bheemante Vazhi, Vishesham, Kaathal: The Core, Jackson Bazaar Youth, and Golam. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 5:56Bloom where you're planted | LaDarrius Hutcherson | TEDxAlabasterWhat if the path to success isn't about leaving home, but about blooming where you're planted?In this TEDxAlabaster talk, LaDarrius Hutcherson challenges the myth that you must leave your community to make an impact. Drawing from his own journey in Birmingham, Alabama, he shares how staying rooted in the place that shaped you can be the very thing that propels you forward.This talk explores themes of community, authenticity, and redefining what influence looks like. Viewers will learn why their story doesn't have to stop short just because of where they live, and how choosing to stay can be a powerful act of growth and leadership.Watch now to discover how you can embrace your roots, unlock your potential, and bloom exactly where you are.#Success #Community #Influence #Impact LaDarrius Hutcherson, also known as “LHUT,” is a rising social media influencer and experience reviewer from Birmingham, Alabama. A proud product of Birmingham City Schools, he earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Jacksonville State University and is currently pursuing a doctorate. LHUT’s digital journey began in 2022 with a viral TikTok review of Ruth’s Place, a soul food spot in Irondale. Since then, he’s gained over 60,000 followers and 1.2 million likes, earning the nickname “The Keith Lee of Birmingham.” His content highlights full experiences, from food and ambiance to customer service. Passionate about giving back, LHUT hosted the Second Annual Eat & Greet, “Boldly Black,” in February 2025, celebrating Black excellence and uniting leaders across industries. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 8:25Say yes anyway: The courage behind the ripple | Dr Nikki Zeigler | TEDxAlabasterWhat if the biggest breakthroughs in your life are hidden inside one simple word—yes?In this inspiring TEDxAlabaster Talk, Dr. Nikki Zeigler reveals how the quiet, often uncomfortable decision to say "yes" can transform not only your life but also the lives of countless others. With raw honesty and powerful storytelling, she shares how imperfect yeses—like hosting her first women's business event despite low ticket sales—created ripples that reached further than she could imagine.From the coach who launched her first program to the friend who hosted a small brunch, Dr. Zeigler illustrates how courage in small beginnings sparks movements, partnerships, and life-changing impact. Fear may whisper doubts, but action silences it.Discover the ripple effect of courage, leadership, and resilience. Learn why your yes is the permission someone else is waiting for, and how your decisions can create waves of influence you may never fully see.Watch now to embrace your courage and say yes anyway. Dr. Nikki Zeigler is a Master Visibility Expert, Pastor, Publisher, and International Speaker Coach committed to helping Christian women dominate in business and ministry. As the Founder of The Herpreneur Network International, she has built a global sisterhood rooted in faith, leadership, and collaboration. She is also the President of Life Christian College, where she trains and certifies future coaches, speakers, and entrepreneurs. Dr. Zeigler is the creative mind behind the iSpeakHER Tote Collection, the Ultimate Christian Business Planner, and the host of the global Convo Christian Talk Show, airing to over 300 million viewers. A multiple-time Amazon Bestselling Author, she uses her platforms to empower women to boldly embrace their God-given assignments. Dr. Zeigler pastors alongside her husband, Bishop Jerimiah Zeigler, at Destiny Word Christian Center in Montgomery, Alabama. She lives by one mission: to make faith, purpose, and visibility collide for Kingdom impact. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 14:14De Kracht Van Vriendelijkheid | Annabel Pieren | TEDxTilburg"De kracht van vriendelijkheid" De wereld vriendelijker maken: iets wat hard nodig is. Want open je social media of kijk het nieuws en je wordt geconfronteerd met haat, vooroordelen en verdeeldheid. Annabel spoort haar Squadmembers vanuit het hele land aan om, d.m.v. laagdrempelige challenges, iets liefs te doen voor een ander. Van het doneren van boeken aan gevluchte kinderen en het schrijven van kerstkaarten voor ouderen tot het geven van complimenten aan vreemden op straat. De belangrijkste les? Een klein gebaar kan al een groot verschil maken. Glimlach gegarandeerd! :) "De kracht van vriendelijkheid"De wereld vriendelijker maken: iets wat hard nodig is. Want open je social media of kijk het nieuws en je wordt geconfronteerd met haat, vooroordelen en verdeeldheid. Annabel spoort haar Squadmembers vanuit het hele land aan om, d.m.v. laagdrempelige challenges, iets liefs te doen voor een ander. Van het doneren van boeken aan gevluchte kinderen en het schrijven van kerstkaarten voor ouderen tot het geven van complimenten aan vreemden op straat. De belangrijkste les? Een klein gebaar kan al een groot verschil maken. Glimlach gegarandeerd! :) This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
