AFTER a hiatus of a long 30 years wait, it is exciting to announce the return of international tennis competition hosted on Guyana’s soil. Such will be Guyana’s hosting of the Inter Guiana Games (IGG) 2014, which will definitely serve to raise the profile of tennis in Guyana. The tournament which is scheduled for October 24th and 25th is being organised and executed by the Guyana Tennis Association (GTA) and according to President Grace McCalman, her executive is overcome with enthusiasm to participate in such an event.
The IGG for tennis is in its third year having been initiated with Suriname’s hosting in 2012 and French Guiana in 2013.
Such a tournament says McCalman, provides a great opportunity for overseas competition at minimal cost compared to the immense financial burden on the association and parents to support players to participate at other Caribbean destinations and therefore she hopes to create more opportunities for competition and development between the three countries.
Tough has been the call for sponsorship and the association is still seeking support to fulfil its obligations, but the GTA is extremely grateful for donations received so far, from David Persaud Investments, Neal & Massy, Continental Agencies, Sterling Products Ltd, 704 Sports Bar, Metro Office Supplies and Overseas-based Guyanese Professional Coach Bill Adams.
Of great significance is the provision of GBTI tennis facilities for the tournament. This was announced by the bank’s CEO John Tracey at the closing of the GBTI OPEN 2014.
A total of four tennis courts will be utilised, two at Bel Air Park and two at GBTI’s Diamond branch , as Mr. Tracey continues to offer strong support for tennis. Each of the three countries participating will provide twelve players in the male and female divisions: U18s, U14s and U12s with two boys and two girls in each category.
Players arrive on Thursday October 23rd and will be greeted with an Opening Ceremony at 18:00hrs at the GBTI Bel Air Park venue. On the first day of competition, there will be 36 singles matches played with girls at Bel Air Park and boys at Diamond.
On the second day, 18 doubles matches will be played with boys at Bel Air Park and girls at Diamond. Chairman of GECOM, Dr. Steve Surujbally will be the Tournament Director.
With a home crowd backing, team Guyana seeks to be dominant on home court. The team will comprise of eleven players (11) from the national squad, Boys U18: Daniel Lopes, Khalif Gobin, Boys U14: Keenan Persaud, Mark McDonald, Boys U12: Jordan Beaton, Heimraj Resaul.
Girls U18: Nicola Ramdyhan, Aretta Dey, Girls U14: Afruica Gentle, Shivanie Persaud, Girls U12: Kalyca Fraser, Sarah Klautky. Last year in French Guiana, the Guyanese players performed creditably. All three countries won two categories each, but French Guiana took the top position on sets followed by Suriname and Guyana.
The public is invited to come out and support our team. Admission is free. Match time is 08:30hrs