ITF /GLTA Schools Tennis Initiative Programme launched in B/ce

Feb 07, 2010 Sports

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– Participants urged to show commitment and dedication

By Rawle Welch

In what can best be described as a well organised and detailed ceremony, the Berbice segment of the Guyana Lawn Tennis Association (GLTA) / International Tennis Federation (ITF) sponsored 2010 Schools Tennis Initiative Programme was launched at the Republic Bank Court in New Street, New Amsterdam.
Attended by ITF Development Officer for the Caribbean Anthony Jeremiah, Secretary and Development Officer of the GLTA Grace McCalman and Rawle Sue-Ho, Wimbledon Tennis Club President Godfrey Lowden, Coach Carol Humphrey, Regional Education Officer Mrs. Shasiran Bhajan, representative of the Mayor’s Office Charles Roberts, teachers, parents and students from St. Aloysius, School of Nations, All Saints and St. Therese Primary Schools. Jeremiah, who conducted the sessions along with Coach Humphrey in his address shortly before taking to the courts said that he was pleasantly surprised by the elaborate ceremony, adding that the occasion has brought great joy and hope for the sport in Guyana.
He lauded the new executive headed by President Christopher Ram for its new found efficiency which according to him points to a new vision and hope for the sport here.
Jeremiah also recognised the executive’s sterling efforts to offer guidance and creativity which are all integral ingredients for positive development.
He also spoke of the ITF initiative which is to promote the sport as easy, fun and healthy and is all part of a global campaign aimed at increasing participation worldwide.
He pointed out that come 2012, the current method of coaching tennis will be phased out by the ITF so the new format which has three progressive stages will be the only relevant system to be utilised by coaches of the sport.
Lowden in his remarks applauded the support offered by Ram, referring to it as strong and iconic since his ascendancy to the office.
He called on the participants to show commitment and dedication since the game can provide many offshoots for personal and career development.
McCalman, who deputised in the absence of Ram recognised the previous lack of support for the community, but promised a more accommodating relationship in the future.
“First of all, I want to say that we at the GLTA recognise the huge potential that is here in Berbice and I am extremely happy that the programme has become a reality,” she stated.
She paid tribute to the energy displayed by the current President, adding that even without the full compliment of coaches and public facilities the young players have done well both locally and regionally.
“This is the new era of tennis and it can create an avenue for all of you to inculcate discipline which is much needed in today’s society that is suffering from moral degradation,” McCalman said.
She called on the young players to challenge themselves to become more disciplined and committed to the sport, while speaking of the glorious opportunities that it can provide including scholarships.
“You must make a full commitment to do well both for yourself and country and I’m hoping that someday there will be a break in the educational system that will allow you to leave school at 3 o’clock and engage in more physical activities,” McCalman told the young players.
She added that being physically fit can also help in your academic pursuits.
McCalman informed that the five-year strategy which the GLTA has drafted will change the whole structure of the sport since they’ve streamlined it to cater for junior and senior development, the certification of more coaches which will allow for the production of players of a higher quality.
“The GLTA will be holding its Annual General Meeting shortly and I am hoping that the new executive act with the same vibrancy as this one,” McCalman said.
Bhajan in her presentation indicated that the youths are amenable to adhering to rules, while, being engaged in the sport will facilitate healthy practices and also allow them to display their talent.
She pledged the Department of Education’s support to the Organisers, adding that only recently they instituted a Sports Committee which has been mandated to network with the various clubs to help revitalise the sport in the Region. “We will ensure that the sport returns to its former glory when many champions came out of Berbice.”
Humphrey in her remarks urged the participants to grasp the opportunity provided, calling on them to show commitment and dedication.
“I want to tell you that Berbice has finally been recognised and even though I had on many occasions in the past felt like calling it a day I’m glad that I stuck with it and today bears a significant testimony which says that if you stick with it someday it will bear fruit,” Humphrey mentioned.
She thanked the GLTA for its thoughtfulness in organising such a programme for Berbice.

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