The Tribune

THERE was a great showing once again at the 17th Annual Artie Johnson All Eleuthera Youth Tennis Camp, dubbed a great success by tennis organiser Artie Johnson.

“There was an average of 45 kids at the camp on a daily basis. The theme of the camp this year was ‘Tennis For Hunger,’ where the children, assisted by the organisers, were able to gather non-perishable foods and deliver the food packages to the elderly in Palmetto Point, Governor’s Harbour and James Cistern in Eleuthera,” said a press release.

The organisers also went to Harbour Island for a week of camp and over 60 kids were in attendance along with coach Dwight Stewart.

There were many local leading citizens who imparted knowledge to the kids each day, including Rev Godfrey Bethel and Ms Bethel, Pastor Clarence Thompson, Ms Kathy Coleman, Mr Darrold Smith, Ms Agaither Bethel, and Rev Kevin Pinder.

One of the speakers challenged one of the junior players to a set and we will just say he was “loved.”

Camp organiser Artie Johnson said he saw a lot of great potential among the kids this year.

He extended thanks to the many sponsors of this year’s tennis camp, and volunteers Alva Nixon, Parry Culmer, Shamar Culmer, Sharon Culmer, and Cortez Cooper.

“The development of tennis on the islands is fundamental to the growth of the sport in The Bahamas.

“This summer camp not only developed these kids in the sport of tennis but provided overall development as the kids were trained in giving back to the community.

“This is a great effort and Mr Johnson is to be commended for his hard work with continuing the development of tennis and the heart of the children in Eleuthera.”