The summer tennis camp sponsored by the Diamond, EBD branch of the Guyana Bank for Trade & Industry Limited (GBTI) concluded on Friday. As such Head Coach of the Diamond Tennis Club and Junior Coach Andre Erskine while pleased with the turnout is optimistic that more can be done in the future for lawn tennis.
Head Coach of the Diamond Tennis Club and Junior Coach Andre Erskine
In an interview with Guyana Times Sport Erskine said, “At the beginning of the camp the participants learnt the basics of tennis, such as fore hand, back hand serves etc. Because of the amount of participants, we received, which is a total of 65 we were forced to start the tournament early, the five categories saw Jonathan Jordan, Raymond Paul, Shania Juman, Ronela Jordan and Renata Jordan winning in their respective categories. We targeted between the ages 5 and 55 and received a tremendous turnout which was more than what we had over the past 5 years. The main reason for this camp is to encourage children, especially when school is out to be involved in some form of sport. In terms of looking towards the future, the participants have a bright future ahead of them, the only challenge we currently face at this point and time is facility. In Guyana there is no facility with flood lights so we are forced to play in the day only, which is extremely difficult for students and those who work as play would usually last between 3:30 to 6 hrs.”
Vice president of the Guyana Lawn Tennis Association Christy Campbell
Erskine also noted that the only courses that are available for use with floodlights are those that are privately owned. He also stated that it would be of great help if the sports commission is to install floodlights at the Racquet Centre as this would highly beneficial to those of working class and it would allow them to learn at their own pace.
Also echoing the same remarks was Vice president of the Guyana Lawn Tennis Association Christy Campbell who said, “we are quite happy with the turnout and we know that our junior coach Andre is very competent and we are happy with the progress. With the 65 that has turnout it speaks well for tennis, we are putting a lot of input in to the development of tennis. Facility wise GBTI has been our rescue as they have allowed use to use their facilities. We are looking forward to the improvement of the Racquet Centre and National Park Courts both of which are in a deplorable state.”
In closing Campbell stated that she is hopeful that the relevant authorities step in and take the issue into consideration. She also noted that the addition of food lights would allow interested individuals to compete to their maximum producing the best game on the court.
