Several little ones getting a feel of the refurbished courts (ASTP Photo)
A spanking new lawn tennis surface was on Friday afternoon unveiled at the National Racquet Center on Woolford Avenue, Georgetown, much to the delight of the Guyana Tennis Association (GTA).
Sport Minister Charles Ramson Jr. (ASTP Photo)
The court’s surface, stands and washrooms were completely redone while lights were also installed for play at later times. The project was a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport (MCYS) and the National Sports Commission (NSC).
During the official unveiling, GTA President Cristy Campbell spoke of the promise made by Minister Charles Ramson Jr., which has now come to fruition.
“A mere 14 hours (after) Minister Ramson was sworn in as Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, the GTA received correspondence to meet in the boardroom of the National Racquet Center, just up there. At that meeting, Minister Ramson made two promises to the executive of the GTA. The first promise was, and I’ll quote him: ‘I will not repair this facility, I’ll completely redo it with a new surface, new stands, washrooms and lights for your players to train longer hours, because this facility is in a horrible state and patchworks cannot correct it’,” Campbell recollected.
She continued, “Today we’re here at the commissioning of these courts, and witnessing the manifestation of that promise.”
GTA President Cristy Campbell (ASTP Photo)
Meanwhile, Director of Sport (DoS), Steve Ninvalle, touched on the number of sport facilities being established — a testament to Government’s commitment.
The Director of Sport shared, “The fact that this facility is being opened says a lot about where sports is going in Guyana, and it says a lot about Government’s commitment to making sure that we have such facilities that will enable us to not only host local tournaments, but to host major international tournaments and competitions.
“It would be remiss of me if I say this is the only such facility that is being opened. In a few weeks, the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport will be opening a similar facility at the National Gymnasium, whereby you’ll have futsal, tennis and basketball; and this augurs truly well for the vision that Government has for sport in this country,” Ninvalle added.
In addition, Sports Minister Charles Ramson Jr. had some words of advice for those who would be utilising the national facility.
“We’ve built, we’ve made this investment for you, it is a National facility. First, take care of it. If you see some of the kids doing some of the things they shouldn’t be doing to destroy it, parents here, treat it as though it is your own. The second is, the facility is open for everyone in a structured way, but it is also important that you make optimal use of it,” the Sport Minister advised.
