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Wednesday, 06 June 2012 02:30

By Ian Magic Hughes

Antigua St John's - The long awaited home for tennis will soon be a reality.

President of the Antigua & Barbuda Tennis Association (ABTA) Cordell Williams told Caribearena.com that for years the association has been lobbying for such a facility.
 
“We have been begging for years for a home for the boys and girls who play this sport,” Williams said.
 
“This site, (Vikings Grounds) was earmarked a long time ago but no work was done until now.
 
“Once completed, I am confident that we will see improvement in the quality of play at all levels.”
 
Antigua & Barbuda, once a powerhouse of Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) tennis, currently boasts a number of players on the regional and international circuits.
 
National female star D’Jeri Raymond is making a name on the International Tennis Federation (ITF) and Confederation of Tennis in Central America and the Caribbean (COTECC) circuits.
 
Junior males, CJ Williams and Javaughnie Ambrose are also doing well at COTECC while Kyle Joseph and Jodi Maginley have racked up ITF points.
 
When completed, the facility located at Camp Site opposite Cortsland Hotel, will be fenced with four lighted courts, office and change rooms.
 
“We are at stage two of a four-phase plan,” the president said.
 
“Stage one was to identify the area and now (stage two) it’s our (ABTA) job to clear that area to have it ready for Public Works to lay the courts.
 
“Next, the courts will have to be sealed and finished during the time we are putting up the offices and change rooms.
 
“I am extremely delighted for the players and I am sure this facility will go a long way in boosting the national programme.” Currently, the Halcyon Tennis Club, Curtain Bluff and Jolly Harbour run junior programmes.
 

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“A home for tennis will bring all the programmes together from time to time without any constraints.
 
“We are grateful for what the hotels have done for the sport over the years but it can be difficult to host tournaments at our convenience,” Williams said.
 
“With our own home we will be able to plan and host national and regional tournaments in a timely fashion and the public will be able to witness what the youth are doing in the sport.”  
 
The president added that it will be a costly exercise but the government, ITF and the business community have come to the aid of the ABTA.
 
“We have an ongoing fundraising programme to help with this facility but I must thank the government, the business community and ITF for their support as well,” he stated.
 
The ITF is expected to donate US $20,000 but the bulk of the monies will come from the association’s fundraising efforts.
 
“We invite any member of the business community to come on board and help,” Williams said.
 
“Some have made certain commitments but with the economy as it we have to solicit as many businesses as possible, and not put too much pressure on one or two companies.”
 
Former survey department employee Calvin Greenaway marked out the area for Williams during a recent visit to the site.
 
According to Williams, if plans go as scheduled the facility should be completed within a year.

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