The Tribune

By RENALDO DORSETT

Sports Reporter

rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

STILL in mourning over the passing of one of the sport’s legendary figures, the Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association (BLTA) has already begun preliminary plans to honour the late Giorgio Baldacci.

BLTA president Derron Donaldson said initial plans include a tournament played in Baldacci’s honour, which will be the first of several initiatives to honour the former national coach, administrator and past BLTA president.

“There has to be a tangible way for his contribution on the sport to be remembered for other generations that continue to develop and grow within the sport. For someone who was an ex-pat to have taken so much of his time and effort in developing Bahamian children was something special and was a true testament to his character,” Donaldson said.

“He was modest but strong willed, that was his spirit. I’m not sure if we can ever properly address the impact he had on the game if he isn’t active, one of those people we have to appreciate and honour for their contribution.”

Baldacci died at Doctors Hospital around 5pm Saturday (November 10). He was 78.

“He helped to guide for so many players, to the collegiate and professional ranks and was an advisor to many in administration, especially myself. In tight spots, I would always go to him and he would be an experienced shoulder I would lean heavily on. He was always a person that was able to help the association in any way shape or form, whether it was coaching, directing a tournament or even refereeing, he was someone that you could count on,” Donaldson said.

“Its the kids that will miss him. Since the day I knew him he was always out there at the stadium court in the afternoons coaching free of charge and was a staple of the National Tennis Center and the game itself. His contribution will always be honoured by the BLTA.”

Baldacci was hospitalised for more than nine weeks, after his diagnosis of having pulmonary embolisms and bronchial pneumonia in both lungs.

Donaldson and other members of the BLTA have heralded Baldacci’s commitment to assist Bahamian tennis players and those in need financially as well as in scholarships and, more importantly, his free time as a tennis coach and instructor.

He trained former and current national players and in recent years assisted with officiating local tournaments as well as organising tournaments.

Nikkita Fountain not only trained and played Fed Cup under Baldacci, but she remembered how he stood up for her and Larikah Russell of Grand Bahama when they were denied the opportunity to travel on the national team in the past.

“I just think he’s such a giving person. I just love him. There’s no other way to say it. I went to the hospital to see him and I started crying. It’s a little bit difficult for me because I know we’ve always been very close,” Fountain said.

“I don’t think a lot of people know what he’s done for our country as far as tennis is concerned. I can speak from personal experiences. You don’t have to ask him. He’s always willing to do whatever he can to assist. It’s never been to get anything in return. That’s a rare quality. He’s much loved and appreciated for anything that he’s done for everybody.”