EDUCATION, SPORTS, GENDER & YOUTH AFFAIRS

On November 26th, 2011 the Halcyon Tennis Club under sanction of the Antigua & Barbuda Tennis Association held its first ever 12 & under boys only competition for 2011, the tournament was dubbed " Halcyon junior tennis tournament".

One week after the winning the Samantha's Academy tennis 10s tournament Ayden Ambrose
a member to the Halcyon Tennis Club & Student of the Foundation Mixed School was once again victorious in the boys 12 & Under competition. Ambrose defeated Luc Drepaul of Halcyon Tennis-student of Island Academy 6-0 in the finals.

Drepaul secured his spot in the finals after defeating Keon Armstrong ( Tennis with Samantha/student  St. John's Lutheran) 7-6 ( 7-4 tie break). Likewise Ambrose spot in the finals was secured after defeating Callum Drepaul in the semi finals 6-2.

A consolation competition was also held for all non main draw players. Nicholas Fuller (Halcyon Tennis/St. Anthony's Secondary) was victorious defeating Chad Joseph ( Halcyon Tennis/Christian Faith Academy) 6-4.



This competition hosted a field of 11 boys with the youngest being Seth Joseph (Halcyon Tennis/St. Nicholas Primary) at age 7.
The quality of play seen by all competitors show that junior tennis in Antigua will grow from strenght to Strenght.

The organisers would like to thank all who made this event a success- the players, tournament director ( Richard Elien), ABS TV, Ann Jonas planning co-ordinator in the Ministry of Sports, Giselle Maginley of Heritage Sports and the on court officials. Tournaments such as these need all our support to encourage our youth and young athletes to truly develop.

The ABTA thanks the organisers for putting on such a quality event.
In preparation for hosting ITF/Cotecc 12 & Under team event next year we will be doing a host  of tournaments in 2012 and we hoping that even in these hard economic time that the sponsors will continue to support tennis in Antigua. Events such as the team events will bring to our country a minimum of 15 nations all with players, coaches, parents and officials.