The Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association (BLTA) is pleased to partner with the Urban Renewal Program to provide tennis lessons to the wider
community. This initiative of the Ministry of Social Services under the auspices of Urban Renewal will be offered to scores of children in the
inner cities of Nassau and eventually all over The Bahamas. Minister of State the Honorable Lisa Rahming who has spearheaded this great
venture welcomed the young people at Lou Adderley Park in Marathon to participate in sporting activities along with First
Lady Ann Marie Davis.
Uniting with Urban Renewal to branch out into the communities has been a God-sent for the Association which continues to build on outreach,
development and tennis sustainability. The BLTA welcomed over sixty children to the National Tennis Centre(NTC) in the first week. The
majority of the kids had their first encounter with tennis on the tennis courts at NTC. Despite the rainy conditions, this did not overshadow the lessons and in fact, this was an opportunity to do some creative drills before heading on the court.
BLTA President Perry Newton stated that there are many talented young children in the inner cities who will now have this wonderful opportunity and experience. We intend to run a structured program that will introduce young people to the sport. It is exciting to see the opportunity the government’s Urban Renewal program offers.
We are pleased that tennis will be a medium for the children to learn new skills, improve health and wellness encourage camaraderie and build social skills. Transforming the lives of so many through the Play Tennis Bahamas program will meet the goal of Urban Renewal to develop and empower young people. The BLTA is extremely excited to be a part of this worthy initiative with Urban Renewal to build up, inspire, challenge, develop and grow the youth of our nation.
As many of the kids have a need for tennis shoes to play in we are requesting persons who have tennis shoes in good condition to kindly donate to the National Tennis Centre. Tennis in all sizes is needed for kids ages 4-17 years old. Kids’ tennis clothes would also be welcome. In addition, 21-inch and 25-inch racquets and red dot alls are needed as the numbers continue to grow. You can respond via return email should you have items to donate.
Original Post Date: 6/14/2022
