Found at: http://www.anguillaguide.com/article/articleprint/1798/-1/127/
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Tennis Academy Holds Presentation Ceremony
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The Anguilla Tennis Association development programme, involving the training of a large number of children over the past six months, culminated on May 30 with a presentation of awards.
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(L-R) Ann Parles, Marvin Hazell, Millie Hodge and Jacque Ruan
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The awards were presented by Vice President of the Tennis Academy, Millie Hodge (in the absence of President Mitchell Lake), Tennis Coach, Marvin Hazell and Jackie Ruan of Ripples Restaurant.
The categories of awards were as follows:
Group 1 (6-10 years old) – Most Improved, Olivia Geyer; Most Promising, Kenny Richardson; Most Disciplined, Angelique Laurent; and Most Helpful, Jacob Parles.
Group 2 (Juniors 11-14 years old) – Most Improved, Natalie Hawkins; Most Promising, Kareem Burres; Most Disciplined, Connie Hodge; Most Helpful, Jessie Heppel.
Group 3 (Advance team – 15-17 years old) Most Improved, Melissa Mussington; Most Promising, Keithroy Proctor; Most Disciplined, Denny Derrick; and Most Helpful, Callyde Hughes.
During the ceremony, demonstrations were held by coach Marvin Hazell to show the tennis skills developed by the children over the past six months.
Millie Hodge, who is also General Manager of American Eagle, noted that the airline had undertaken to help sponsor the trip of the US tennis coaches each year and had pledged its continued support for youth development. “We wish to channel their energy in a positive way that will continue to help enhance the tourism product in line with Anguilla’s upscale market,” she stated.
Mrs. Hodge told the children, at the Tennis Court at the Ronald Webster Park, that the tennis programme represented a door of opportunity to Anguillian youth especially in the area of college scholarships.
She thanked the parents for their support and encouraged others to do the same so that Anguilla could continue to develop in a positive way. She informed the members of the public that construction of the Tennis Academy at Blowing Point was well on its way and urged them to continue to pledge their support by purchasing a brick at US$100.
Mrs. Hodge read a statement from Mitchell Lake as follows:
“We applaud the hard work and efforts of all the participants over the past six months. To the parents, I say thank you for your continued support towards the Anguilla Tennis Academy. Indeed, we have experienced some moments of uncertainty over the years and during the course of this programme, but we were able to overcome such adversity. I and we will find a way to ensure that this programme remains a success and continues to provide hope and opportunities for our children. Today all participants will be presented with certificates and a medal for their dedication over the past six months. I am pleased with the progress all of them have made during the course of the programme.
“We would like to recognise the dedicated work and commitment of Marvin Hazell to the development of children in our community. Nine years ago Marvin was a participant in this programme. Today he is imparting to other children the values and skills he learned through the game of tennis. Marvin is one of the success stories of this programme and is applauded for his work ethic and positive attitude. We would also like to express sincere thanks to Ann Parles and Jackie Ruan for their invaluable efforts towards this programme.
“The ninth annual summer tennis camp begins July 12 and continues through July 31 at the James Ronald Webster Park. International coaches and players will be visiting during the week of July 26 through July 31. During this week, the camp will be conducted at the tennis facilities of Malliouhana Hotel and Carimar Beach Club. This will be a great opportunity for children to enhance their tennis skills through advanced training from experienced and certified instructors. The cost of this year’s programme is US$30 per child.”
Mr. Lake is expected in Anguilla from the United States shortly to implement the programme.
The tennis trainees
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