The Tribune

THE first Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association Play Tennis Bahamas Festival was held at the National Tennis Centre (NTC). The event marked the culmination of the first installment of the spring session of the BLTA Play Tennis Programme which was conducted in the months of February and March.

The goals of introducing beginners to tennis and having them play as soon as possible and then encouraging them through fun activities and competition to stay in the sport has been achieved.

The festival featured competitive games and matches to test a variety of tennis skills. There was fun, camaraderie and a wonderful display of teamwork. At the end of the competition, the kids received their medals and prizes. Many of the parents and children expressed their pleasure at the event which was a first for many of the young aspiring tennis players.

Over the past eight weeks, the programme recorded between 90 and 100 participants. Enthusiastic children between the ages of 4-16 were introduced to tennis in a fun environment.

President Perry Newton was pleased with the level of participation in the programme. We continue to witness growth at the beginner level. He thanked the volunteer coaches and the many juniors who came out to assist in the sessions.

Juniors Anthony Burrows Jr, Dentry Mortimer Jr, Sierra Rodgers, Maddissan Bowleg and S’Rae Rodgers give back to the programme.

Coaches and workers included Denise Mortimer, Paula Whitfield, Darnette Weir and Esther Newton.

Thanks to all for their efforts during this session, we are extremely grateful.

The BLTA continues to record triple-figure numbers into the programme. Kids learn tennis without any barriers of costs, tennis racquets are provided and the work is done by volunteers who seed into the lives of the youngsters. We thank all those who made the festival a huge success. It is the intention of the association to continue to reach out to interested persons in the community with the hopes to expand the junior pool of players in the Bahamas.

If you or your child wish to attend or you would like to volunteer as a coach or an assistant for the next installment of the programme you can email pr@ blta.net. The tennis journey of a lifetime awaits.