GTC celebrates first regional tennis title

The Grassroot Tennis Club is still over the moon after one its members, nine-year-old Akeil De Roche was crowned boys’ Under-10 champion last week at the Cap Maison Eastern Caribbean Junior Tennis Tournament at the National Tennis Centre in St Lucia.{{more}}

For the three-year-old club, it was its first outing overseas and a fruitful one too.

Apart from De Roche, the GTC was represented by Richard Hoyte, who competed in the Under-12 category with some success.

Head of GTC Grant Connell said what is unfolding at the Club is the ability to make the nexus between talent and opportunity for children, no matter their social background.

“ … This is exactly the case envisaged by Silky and Casper Da Silva when they purchased the property which houses the Grassroot Tennis Centre some 40 years ago… Now the vision is unfolding,” Connell said.

Connell praised the input of current head coach Trevor Sam, whose dedication and love for the game, “is truly priceless”.

Both Connell and the former president of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Tennis Association Michael Nanton made the trip over to St Lucia to see De Roche receive his winning trophy.

“It was great to see Vincentians back to winning ways in the region,” Connell noted.

Connell congratulated the Lyttle twins — Luka and Denee for also carrying the Vincentian flag in the St Lucia outing, with much aplomb and dignity.

“I am indeed grateful to all the signage holders at the Grassroot Tennis Club, since it is they who have fuelled the efforts of the club and to all those who supported the fund-raiser BBQ held at the club, that made the trip possible for us to enjoy that historic moment in St Lucia,” Connell stated.

“ … It is time we unite and develop as a team and rebuild the respect we once had,” he concluded.

Connell said efforts are being made to have De Roche and Antonio Caine attend the Under-12 Championships in Antigua next month.

Both are fine-tuning their skills at the GTC’s Easter tournament, which ends tomorrow.(RT)