The Guyana Tennis Association (GTA) now has the National Racquet Centre to call its home.
Yesterday, the fully refurbished facility on Woolford Avenue was commissioned by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports.
According to president of the association, Cristy Campbell, yesterday marked the manifestation of a promise made by Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Charles Ramson Jr.
”Today, we are here at the commissioning of these courts and witnessing the manifestation of that promise,” said Campbell who expressed gratitude to the Ministry and the National Sports Commission for fully funding the project.
”Mere minutes after Minister Ramson was sworn in as Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, the GTA received correspondence from his office inviting us to meet in the boardroom of the National Racquet Centre.
“At that meeting, Minister Ramson made two promises to the executive of the GTA, the first promise was `I will not repair this facility but I will completely redo it with a new surface, new stands, washrooms and lights for your players to train longer hours because this facility is in a horrible state and patchwork cannot correct it.’”
During his address, Minister Ramson Jr., stated that the commissioning of the facility was just one of the first steps of providing an avenue for dreams to be realized for tennis players.
He also expounded on other developmental works currently being undertaken by the government and stated that the work being done is not a burden but an opportunity to show the government’s commitment to sports and athletes.
Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle, noted that the commissioning of the courts underscored that sports locally is on an upward trajectory.
“The fact that this facility is being opened says a lot about where sports is going in Guyana. It says a lot about government’s commitment to making sure that we have such facilities that will enable us not only host local tournaments but major international tournaments and competitions,” he declared.
Ninvalle reminded that “In a few weeks the ministry will be opening a similar facility at the National Gymnasium where futsal, tennis and basketball will be played. It augurs well for the vision that government has for sports in Guyana.”
President of the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA), Godfrey Munroe, lauded the efforts of the government, Campbell and her executive and stated that the facility will lead to significant dividends.
