The Guyana Lawn Tennis Association (GLTA) yesterday teamed up with coporate giants Banks DIH Ltd., to launch the `Plus Energy’ Open lawn tennis tournament which starts on Monday at the Pegasus lawn tennis courts.
The tournament, will be exclusively sponsored by Bank DIH Ltd. under its locally brewed energy drink brand, `Plus Energy’ and marks the first tournament of the year for the GLTA.
According to the GLTA, more than 50 players have already registered for the competition and the association said it hoped to attract more players in an effort to help stimulate players’ interest in the game.
Vice-President of the GLTA, Joseph Haynes, said that he was especially pleased with the initiative taken by such a major investor as Banks DIH Ltd.
Haynes added that he appreciated the help of such corporate investors and challenged other members of the private sector to give lawn tennis a well needed boost.
Communications Manager of Banks DIH Ltd., Troy Peters, said that his organization would continue to support the development of sports in Guyana, adding that his company was pleased to be associated with the GLTA for the prestigious tournament.
“Banks DIH is pleased to be associated with the Guyana Lawn Tennis Association and the organizing of its first tournament of the year.
“Banks has always supported the development of sports in Guyana and will continue to do so now more than ever,” Peters said.
Peters disclosed that the company had decided to sponsor the tournament under the brand `Plus Energy’ because of the high demand for energy by lawn tennis players adding that he was almost certain that the product would fulfil that demand.
According to a release by Banks DIH Ltd., the company has recognized the splendid job done by the executives of the GLTA in getting youngsters actively involved in the game which they feel, would lead to a healthy lifestyle.
The company also expressed its commitment to working along with the GLTA to make its vision of ‘making Guyana a great tennis nation’, a reality.
Players will compete in 12 categories, including the boys and girls’ under-14 and under-18 categories, ladies and men’s Open singles, men’s over 35 and over 45 categories.
The tournament, which ends on March 12, may be extended an extra week if disturbed by the weather, the GLTA stated.