The Tribune

THE 15th annual Artie Johnson Summer Tennis Camp got started on Monday in Eleuthera.

The camp made its first stop in Palmetto Point at the Austin Knowles tennis courts. This year, tournament organiser Artie Johnson intends to travel throughout Eleuthera as he makes stops in the various settlements impacting the young people about the fundamentals of the sport.

Johnson is being assisted by Stacy Smith, a tennis professional from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, who will be in the Bahamas for three weeks. During her stay, Smith will also be involved in organising a Rally4Hunger.

On July 20, the Rally4Hunger will move to South Eleuthera and then again on Thursday, July 24, they will be in Harbour Island at the Coral Sands & Pink Sands. It is hoped that the food drive will become an annual event as Smith returns to assist Johnson in the camp.

According to Smith, the mission of Rally4Hunger is to create a fun tennis experience while simultaneously helping to fight hunger through the organisation of tennis rallies.

The players rally with a partner and count the number of consecutive balls to be totalled and matched by Rally4Hunger and other donating sponsors with non-perishable food items.

“We believe in the importance of involving our youth in the community along with creating an atmosphere to improve their skills, confidence, self-esteem and health,” Smith said.

Volunteering to help out Johnson and Smith are Barbara Johnson, Elva Nixon, Parry Sands Culmer and Tammy Weinburger. Among the sponsors are Alan Houp and David Skarica.