Coaches awaiting official confirmation after completing Level Two Tennis Course

Sep 27, 2011 Sports

Ten perspective coaching aspirants are awaiting their final results that would set them apart as level one coaches following two weeks of intense activity that introduced them to the intricacies of tennis coaching at a course conducted by the Guyana Tennis Association (GTA) under the auspices of the International Tennis Federation (ITF).
Activities were conducted at the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry Sports Club, Kaieteur Street, Bel Air Park from September 14-25 and saw the participation of aspiring coaches between the ages of 17, as in the case of Shawna Gentle and 60 years old Joe Rayappen. However, despite the confidence exhibited by the facilitators of a 100% pass rate, the group will have to wait for another week when their activities and performances are perused by officials of the ITF who will officially pronounce upon the results.

President of the Guyana Tennis Association, Christopher Ram (extreme r) poses with Anthony Jeremiah (extreme l), Ms Daly Ramdyhan (fourth left) and the successful coaches shortly after the course concluded

The course was facilitated by ITA Regional Development Officer, Anthony Jeremiah with assistance from one of Guyana’s level two coaches, Shelly Daly Ramdyhan. These two officials introduced the participants to the new teaching applications and coaching styles of the ITF. They have also touched on issues related to the bio-mechanics of the sport. Ms Daly Ramdyhan explained that this particular technique is learned at a higher level but the facilitators felt it prudent to give the participants a cursory introduction to support the newly acquired knowledge. She feels confident that the new coaches are now equipped to deal with the basic technicalities of the sport.
Meanwhile, President of the ITF, Christopher Ram, congratulated the participants at a special ceremony to herald the close of activities at the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry Sports Club, Kaieteur Street, Bel Air Park, Sunday evening last. He intimated that the course cost over half a million dollars and was exclusively funded with the monetary resources derived from the kitty of the local Federation. Mr. Ram labeled the activity a huge success especially when it was noted that the last such effort occurred more than seven years ago, in 2004 when the local Association hosted a Pre-level one course.
Regional Development Officer, Anthony Jeremiah also lauded the programme and praised the enthusiasm of the participants even in the face of grave challenges. He further commended the participant on the immaculate demonstration of team work while singling out Leyland Leacock for his exemplary contribution in this department. Mr. Jeremiah closed with a caveat even as he issued a charge to the young coaches, “Despite your best efforts you will not always get the required results but you will just have to persevere. Nevertheless, I wish to encourage you to give of your best and be the new aspiring coaches in Guyana.”
The other participating coaches are Andre Lopes, Nicholas Glasgow, Jason Glasgow, Jermaine Miller, Leyland Allicock, Steve David Longe, Henk Wilkinson and Sandeep Chand.