THREE of Guyana’s promising junior players will participate in the 13 & Under Caribbean Development Championships 2012, which will be held from tomorrow to September 1 in Tobago. This tournament represents a significant part in the calendar of regional tournaments, as it is the only Developmental tennis tournament for this critical age group in the region.
The tournament is organised by the ITF regional body, Cotecc and provides competitive opportunities for players in their early development.
Countries expected to participate include Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Guyana, Jamaica, Netherland Antilles, St Lucia, St Vincent, Suriname and host Trinidad and Tobago
Representing Guyana are junior  tennis players  Afruica Gentle who will compete in the Girls’ category and  Khalid Gobin and Keshon Reis in the Boys’. They  will be accompanied by National coach Shelly Ramdyhan.
The players trained as part of the junior development squad after being identified as prospects from the ITF Schools Tennis Initiative which exposes players to mini tennis from ages 6 to 11.
Mini Tennis involves introducing tennis to young children in a fun and active way. By utilising scaled-down equipment and playing surfaces, the children learn to enjoy the game quickly. Any flat surface from a school patio to a playground can be used.