ITF Junior Tennis Championships serves up this weekend

Over 120 Junior Tennis players, representing over 20 countries worldwide, will be participating in the 2013 SVG ITF Junior Tennis Championships at the National Tennis Centre in Villa and the Grassroot Tennis Club in Kingstown.{{more}}

Start of play is Saturday, August 17 at 9 a.m. with the end of play scheduled for Saturday, August 24. 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 seven years, the 2013 SVG ITF Junior Tennis Championships has now expanded to the Grassroot Tennis Club in Kingstown to accommodate the International Tennis Federation’s additional court requirements. The 2013 SVG ITF Junior Tennis Championships represents the largest tennis event in SVG for the calendar year and is one of only a few similar tournaments in the Caribbean region.

A release from the SVG Tennis Association said the National Lotteries Authority is the Platinum Sponsor for the 2013 SVG ITF Junior Tennis Championships.

“The National Lotteries Authority has continued in its long history of sponsorship and support of Junior Tennis initiatives in SVG, investing in the future of young Vincentians. First Citizens Investment Services, the tournament’s Gold Sponsor, continues in its third year of sponsorship of this annual Tennis event. In addition, many local companies and organizations are assisting the SVG Tennis Association to ensure this international tournament in SVG remains a success and exceeds all expectations. These companies include Grassroot Tennis Club, Stop Light Restaurant & Bar, Fitness Quest Gym and Guesthouse, Romeo’s Upholstery, Howard’s Marine and Central Water and Sewerage Authority,” a release from the SVGTA said.

The SVGTA thanked the Ministry of Tourism, Sports and Culture and the Minister, Cecil McKie, for their ongoing support.

According to the release, junior tennis players, including many national players, will be competing for valuable international ranking points.

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

In addition to visiting players, there are visiting coaches, parents, friends and a full complement of regional ITF White Badge Officials and ITF Supervisors. It is estimated this tournament brings over two hundred 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. Admission to both venues is free to spectators.”

Tournament information for the 2013 SVG ITF Junior Tennis Championships, including Draws, Results and Daily Order of Play are available at www.svgtennis.com.