The Anguilla Tennis Academy (ATA), has been making strides to complete an almost ten year project to introduce tennis to children. Since its inception in 1996, over 1000 participants have benefited from the programme.

Billy Ray Cyrus singing to the ATA children at CuisinArt Hotel tennis facility

A matching donation of US$500,000 from Mr. Edgar Bronfman Jr. (Warner Music Group), and Mr. Robert Johnson (Black Entertainment Television), will be given to the ATA against 5-year pledge commitments from the Anguillian community. To date, pledge commitments totaling about US$300,000 have been received.

Those individuals and/or businesses that contribute to the 5-year pledge campaign will join a special recognition group and will be prominently displayed on a brass plaque in the facility lobby. The following sponsorships are available:

Grand Slam Sponsor--------US$50,000
Advantage Sponsor----------US$25,000
Contributing Sponsor-------US$10,000
Love Sponsor-----------------US$5,000
Friend Sponsor---------------US$1,000
Brick Sponsor-----------------US$100

Founder, Mitchelle lake said,” we are on the home stretch and with the full support of the Anguillian community we can meet this challenge. There are many ways we can achieve this goal. For example 200 people can each pledge US$1000. This implies that each person is responsible to US$200 each year for the next five years. If we pledge US$200,000 more as a community, we will raise US$1,000,000 which will help to bring the project towards completion. I strongly believe that the participation of the locals will not only help to meet this challenge, but will demonstrate commitment and ownership of the project.”

Practice session at the Webster Park tennis court

Lake continued,” Anguillians must become investors in the social development of their own island. We are at the cross roads and our children must NOT be deprived of world class facilities where they can grow and develop because of our inability to give back. This island cannot be sustained if we fail to develop and equip our youth with the necessary skills and knowledge to lead productive lives. Let us now break the cycle of self indulgence and greed and give towards the future of this country- our youth.

On behalf of the ATA Board, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all those who have given their time, and financial resources to this worthy cause.

Practice session at the Webster Park tennis court

Your efforts and contributions will help to build a center of excellence that will undoubtedly be a land mark of the Caribbean and a symbol of national pride.

If you would like to pledge your support, please contact us at 498-2822 or visit our office at the Anguilla Chamber of commerce between the hours of 10:00am and 4:00pm.”

For more information on the ATA, please visit our website at www.tennis.ai or e-mail us at anguilla70@yahoo.com.

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