Inter Guiana Games tennis returns to Guyana after 30 years hiatus

Oct 13, 2014 Sports

After a prolonged 30 years hiatus, international lawn tennis returns to Guyana when the Guyana Tennis Association (GTA) hosts the 2014 Inter Guiana Games (IGG), October 24 and 25 next. President of the GTA, Grace McCalman, said that her executive is delighted to host the prestigious tournament, now in its 3rd year. Suriname had hosted the 2012 edition, while French Guiana had acted as hosts last year.

Players of the national squad capture a Kodak moment with coaches Shelly Daly-Ramdyhan and Nicholas Glasgow.

The GTA President said that the tournament provides a great opportunity for local players to accrue valuable international competition at minimal cost since they will not be strapped with the exorbitant financial requirements associated with similar tournaments played overseas. She said that she hopes to create more opportunities for competition and development among the three countries.
Once again, the Guyana Bank of Trade and Industry (GBTI) has generously made their tennis facilities available for the tournament; Chief Executive Officer (GBTI), John Tracey, had made the commitment at the closing of the GBTI Open staged earlier this year. Subsequently, the tournament would be played at facilities at both locations—Diamond East Bank Demerara and Bel Air Park.
Meanwhile, a total of twelve players (male and female) will compete in several categories including U-12, U-14 and U18. The visiting teams arrive on Thursday October 23 and will participate in the opening ceremony later that day at the GBTI Bel Air Park Courts at 18:00hrs. The first day of competition will entertain 36 singles matches with the females playing at Bel Air Park and the males at Diamond. Eighteen doubles matches will be played on day two with the males at Bel Air Park while the females shift to Diamond EBD. Chairman of GECOM, Dr. Steve Surujbally will be the Tournament Director.
The local players will enjoy the home advantage and they plan to take full advantage. The Guyana team comprises eleven players from the national squad and reads Boys U18: Daniel Lopes, Khalif Gobin. Boys U14: Keenan Persaud, Mark McDonald, Boys U12: Jordan Beaton, Heimraj Resaul. Girls U18: Nicola Ramdyhan, Aretta Dey, Girls U14: Afruica Gentle, Shivanie Persaud, Girls U12: Kalyca Fraser, Sarah Klautky.
Once again, sponsorship has been the major bugbear and executives of the GTA are still seeking support to fulfill its obligations. Nevertheless, they are extremely grateful for donations received and acknowledge such support from David Persaud Investments, Neal & Massy, Continental Agencies, Sterling Products Ltd, 704 Sports Bar, Metro Office Supplies and Overseas-based Guyanese Professional Coach Bill Adams.
At the tournament last year in French Guiana, the locals performed creditably but had to be content with a place in the cellar after French Guiana took the top position on sets followed by Suriname. Members of the public are urged to come out in support of the local team. Admission is free and match time is 08:30hrs.