Novices from Mae’s Under 12 dominated the Guyana Tennis Association’s 2014 Christmas Interschool 10s competition held on Saturday at the New Guyana School Tennis Court but Adelicia Andries of West Ruimveldt Primary took the accolade for Most Outstanding Player.
Andries exhibited an excellent style of play during her success on court and was rewarded with a new Wilson Racquet donated by the Charlotte Street Wesleyan Church for her accomplishment.
Ashanti Persaud from Mae’s Under 12 won the Girls’ category as she along with her schoolmates collectively proved their worth during the tourney. Besides coveting the Under 12 Girls championship, Mae’s copped the Best School Trophy for their numerical presence and overall performance at the championship. Sunnah Sealy of Redeemer Primary, however finished as runner-up to Persaud.
The Boys’ trophy went to Armani Wachira of Georgetown International Academy while the runner-up position was filled by Nathan Wills of Green Acres.
This competition was played in a round robin format, with a total of 78 matches in which 19 girls and 11 boys from 11 primary schools participated.
The schools represented were: Mae’s Under-12, Georgetown International Academy, Green Acres, Lowe’s Academy, West Ruimveldt, New Guyana School, Redeemer, Marian Academy, St. Gabriel’s, Stella Maris and North Georgetown.
Tournament Coordinator and Coach Shelly Daly-Ramdyhan gave the closing remarks and noted the small attendance but was pleased with the relatively high number of girls which she said is greatly needed for the development of tennis in the Caribbean region.
“To this end, the International Tennis Federation has declared the first half of 2015 as a special period for Girls Tennis and encourages its member organisations,” Daly-Ramdyhan said, “to ensure that more girls participate in the sport which in turn increases the level and quality of their game.”
Overseas-based Assistant Coordinator William Spangler who is a 5th Grade Teacher and Tennis Coach at the Georgetown International Academy was impressed by the activity and interest shown by the young players. He gave a charge to his own school to keep playing and improving while enjoying the game.
GTA President Grace McCalman reminded parents that sport is critical to a child’s development. “The sacrifice must be made,” McCalman said, “to ensure children are able to reach their maximum potential while enjoying the many benefits of tennis which has great potential for fostering discipline”. She thanked the management of New Guyana School for providing their tennis facilities to host the event, the second time for this year. She also extended her gratitude to the newest executive members specifically Scheherazade Khan and William Spangler for their presence and enthusiasm.
This competition served as a talent scout for children with requisite recommendations for coaching at clubs toward induction into the national tennis squad. (Delvon McEwan)
