SPORTS, TRADE, INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE & CULTURE

The Antigua and Barbuda Tennis Association congratulates D’jeri Raymond and Noah Peters on their success at the Trinidad and Tobago ITF Junior International Circuit. Raymond won her first ever singles trophy after coming up against Peters in the all Antiguan finals in the Under 14 category, trouncing her 6-4, 6-2. She and Peters subsequently teamed up for the doubles win against the Trinidad duo of Aleung/Delancey, whom they beat 6-2, 6-4, on Thursday April 7th, 2011. The association would also like to acknowledge the efforts of other team members Shakir Elvin who played his first U18 tournament, Ankitha Jammula and Jevannie Ambrose who did not fare as well in competition.

It took a lot of cake sales and barbeques by the respective tennis clubs to help get the athletes to both events. We wish to thank all who supported and especially corporate sponsors (ABIB and Raeburn’s Generator Services who assisted D’Jeri Raymond, Island furniture, Peters electrical and EVC Pharmacy who assisted Shakir Elvin, The Peters family who assisted Noah Peters,  Cool & Smooth, Dr. Rodney Williams and Family who assisted Jevannie Ambrose). Given the daily dedication required, we wish to thank the parents as well and the athletes themselves.

Raymond’s win in Trinidad comes one week after she was forced to settle for a semi finals spot in the ITF Barbados Junior Championship but later copped the doubles win at the same event.

Next up for the tennis juniors is the Junkanoo Bowl in Bahamas in June. As always, support for the team is encouraged; tennis is a sport that requires a lot time, commitment and money but it can open doors of opportunity for these junior tennis players.