ITF Junior Tennis Tournament serves off tomorrow

Over 115 Junior Tennis players, representing over 20 countries worldwide, will be participating in the 2012 First Citizens Investment Services ITF Junior Tennis Championships at the National Tennis Centre in Villa and the Grassroot Tennis Club in Kingstown, beginning this weekend.{{more}}

Start of play is Saturday at 9 a.m. with the end of play scheduled for Saturday, August 18. Over 180 matches will be completed in Under-18 and Under-14 Boys and Girls Categories, including singles and doubles. Hosted by the St Vincent and the Grenadines Tennis Association (SVGTA) for the past six years, the 2012 First Citizens Investment Services ITF Junior Tennis Championships will now expand to the Grassroot Tennis Club in Kingstown to accommodate the ITF’s additional court requirements. The 2012 First Citizens Investment Services ITF Junior Tennis Championships is the largest tennis event in SVG for the calendar year.

A release from the SVGTA announced First Citizens Investment Services as the Platinum Sponsor for the 2012 ITF Junior Tennis Championships. This represents First Citizen Investment Services’ second year of sponsorship for this event.

“In addition to First Citizens Investment Services, many local companies and organizations are assisting the SVGTA to ensure this international tournament in SVG remains a success and exceeds all expectations. These companies include Grassroot Tennis Club, Digicel, National Properties, National Lotteries Authority, Karib Cable, Power Washing Service, St Vincent Brewery Limited, Romeo’s Upholstery, Ellco Rentals Ltd, and the Central Water and Sewerage Authority,” the release said.

Junior tennis players, including many national players will be competing for valuable international ranking points.

According to the release, the SVGTA hopes this tournament, of which there are only a few in the region, will after our national junior players opportunities for scholarships for tertiary education abroad in the near future.

In addition to visiting players, there are visiting coaches, parents, friends and a full complement of regional ITF White Badge officials and supervisors. It is estimated this tournament brings close to 200 visitors to SVG each year.

“The SVGTA congratulates all participating Vincentians and visiting tennis players, who continue to make this event memorable each year. The SVGTA would also like to take this opportunity to thank in advance the many spectators who will be treated to the highest levels of international Junior Tennis each day,” the release said.

Admission to both venues is free to spectators.

Tournament information for the 2012 First Citizens Investment Services ITF Junior Tennis Championships, including draws, results and daily order of play are available at www.svgtennis.org.