The Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association(BLTA) Play Tennis Program Reaches the 100th New Player Mark! With safety protocols in place, The BLTA resumed its Introductory Tennis Program in January 2021 to continue to strengthen its pool of players and to ensure Tennis Sustainability. Five months later the program is pleased to have trained in excess of 100 new tennis players!
The dollar registration fee has reduced the pricing barrier to the sport, opening up Tennis to one and all. The BLTA provided all sporting equipment for free with players only needing to show up and be open to learning. And that they did! Children ages 4-15 years old were taught the rudiments of tennis including the forehand, the backhand, the serve, the overhead and volleys. Some of the children have transitioned to other tennis programs as they are committed to continuing their tennis journey. The program is a motivator for many kids to take their tennis game to the next level.
There were fifteen volunteer coaches and assistants who willingly gave their time and talent to the program. President Perry Newton also rolled up his sleeves and joined the coaches on the court to help shape the next generation of tennis players. President Newton stated “This is an indication that the work is just beginning. This is one step to
increasing participation in the sport of tennis. It shows that parents understand the importance of physical activity and the social development of their children. It is a partnership between the Association, the volunteer coaches, the parents, the participants and sponsors.”
“We are thankful to Gonet Bank & Trust who saw the vision in partnering with The BLTA to provide our children developmental opportunities. We encourage other corporate
sponsors to partner with us in this worthwhile undertaking. The impact of this program is far-reaching on and off the court. It is a society building program for the children; developing discipline, camaraderie and teamwork, whilst learning a new and exciting sport. Similar programs in Abaco by ATA and in Grand Bahama by GBTA have also resumed with commendable participation.”
The Play Tennis program continues to provide an avenue for new entrants into Tennis, laying a firm growth foundation. Pictures of the program are attached. To register for the next instalment of the Play Tennis Program email pr@blta.net.
