The Tribune

FREEPORT, Grand Bahama – Minister for Grand Bahama Dr Michael Darville officially opened the Grand Bahama Tennis Association’s Junior National Tournament at the YMCA on Friday morning.

The tournament involves some 65 young people, mainly from Grand Bahama and New Providence, aged 8-18.

Minister Darville was pleased to see emphasis being placed on the development of junior tennis on Grand Bahama.

He said that he noted with interest in recent times a sports clinic in both the Eight Mile Rock and West End communities that attracted more than 50 young boys and girls for a day.

“That is impressive! We know for the most part, the popular games of choice are basketball, softball and even volleyball. But to be able to go into the urban communities and attract the interests of youth there, and they then come to an appreciation for the sport of tennis, is a good thing,” he said, noting that even he had dabbled in the sport a few times.

Dr Darville took the opportunity to point out that the Government in the desire to improve sports facilities has included the plan to allocate and develop a space at the GB Sports Complex just for the sport of tennis, and that they envision that space to be the venue for future tournaments, locally and internationally.

He went on to thank Grand Bahama Tennis Association president Natishkah Barrett and her team for the wonderful work they have done and continue to do in promoting and developing the sport of tennis on Grand Bahama.

Further, he said, whatever he could do to further assist he would.

Addressing the many youths participating in the opening of Subway-sponsored tourney, he told them to continue to work hard and develop their skills with the view of one day playing at the US or French Open Tennis Tournament.