ANTIGUA & BARBUDA TENNIS ASSOCIATION

It was truly an inviting and community centred atmosphere at the Liberta Sports Complex, the site of the Launch of the CIBC-First Caribbean Tennis Tens Programme on Friday 15th March 2013.


 
Master of Ceremony George “Big George” Joseph called the ceremony to order at about 10:45am and the stage was set for a short but enjoyable mid morning programme. Mr. Julio Naso, community liaison officer for the St. Paul’s community and a pastor by profession invoked God’s presence on the proceedings. This was followed by opening remarks by Kenneth Benjamin, Senior Administrator for the Sports for Youth Development Initiative. Mr. Benjamin highlighted the importance of sports to any community and indicated how pleased he was that this new development commenced in the Liberta Community. He also took the time to thank Mr. Fitzroy Brann for being a pioneer in his own right in community sports development.
 
The Antigua and Barbuda Tennis Association endorsed the programme during the brief remarks delivered by Executive Members Ms. Karen Pennyfeather and Mr. Richard Elien, Sports for Youth Development Administrator provided technical information on the programme to the listening audience.  CIBC- First Caribbean bank highlighted their pleasure in being a part of the initiative which is expected to encourage more youths in the community to be involved in sports and ultimately develop their skills to reach their highest potential.
 
Senator, Honourable Paul “Chet” Greene, President of the National Olympic Committee commended all parties who were involved in producing the tennis programme for their efforts. He said as a Libertan and as an avid sports enthusiast he was confident that the next Venus and Serena Williams can come out of the community.
 
Mrs. Anne Jonas presented remarks on behalf of the Planning Unit and the Minister of Sports and expressed her delight on the launch. She shared that this new programme will provide an opportunity for more youths to become active in sports and also provide gateways to better health and educational opportunities in the future. She also commended the Planning Unit for their hard work.
 
Many other officials were present and included: FCIB-First Caribbean Bank representatives, members of the Antigua & Barbuda Tennis Association, the staff and students of the Liberta Primary School and the Planning Unit of the Ministry of Sports.
 
The best was saved for last as sponsors and students headed to the freshly painted Tennis courts to hit the first round of balls over the nets. Senator Honourable Paul Greene, President, National Olympic Association, Mr. Khary Roberts of CIBC-First Caribbean, Mr. Kenneth Benjamin, Mr. Fitzroy Brann and  a few students all had the opportunity to hit a few balls over the nets to officially  inaugurate the Tennis Tens programme in the Liberta Community.

The Ministry of Sports’, “Sports for Youth Development Initiative”, a component of the Protect and Service Project, is a programme designed to promote sports and recreation among community youths. In an era where youths are faced by many challenges in society, the Ministry of Sports has designed the initiative to provide a positive avenue for change for youths at the community level and to increase participation and ultimately performance in sports.