The first BLTA Play Tennis Bahamas Festival was held at the National Tennis Centre (NTC). The event marked the culmination of the 1st instalment of the Spring Session of The Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association Play Tennis Program 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 have 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 program 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 program. 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 program. 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 Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association continues to record triple-figure numbers in the program. Kids learn tennis without any barriers or 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.
