The International Tennis Federation(ITF) extended an invitation to President Perry Newton to speak at the 2021 National Junior Tennis Initiative(JTI) Global Workshop. There were over 140 countries in attendance that were spilt into sessions. President Newton presented on The Play Tennis Bahamas introductory program and the keys to its success, the development of Island Association and the synchronized growth in The Bahamas of junior tennis. The Bahamas has a focus on 3 of the ITF’s Strategic Development areas: participation, education and facilities.
The Play Tennis Bahamas program has been an example of a tennis model that is exemplary. The Program has been a strategic tool the BLTA has used to introduce new players to the sport of tennis. The Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association and the entire tennis community congratulates President Newton on the opportunity he received to present The Play Tennis Bahamas program to the world. The program has been instrumental in laying the foundation. The fall instalment of the program saw over 75 participants raising the attendance of 2021 to almost 200 children. We encourage persons (coaches and players alike) in the tennis community to continue to provide their talent and services to this exceptional initiative that continues to attract hundreds of children yearly to the sport.
The last visit for island associations from the BLTA Team was to Freeport, Grand Bahama this weekend. President Newton and Vice-President Chilean Burrows met a warm reception from the Grand Bahama Tennis Association President Natishkah Barett and team. The group toured tennis courts, attended a junior tournament and discussed developmental goals. The team also met with the President of Grand Bahama, Ginger Moxey.
This trip rounded out the BLTA’s tri-island visits to Abaco, Eleuthera and Grand Bahama. The goal of the BLTA administration is to engage all of its sanctioned associations, to be aware of the uniqueness of each island, and to seek ways in which the BLTA can support island associations in their efforts for development as Bahamas tennis grows.
Original Post Date: 6/12/2021
