A large number of supporters and friends of Jason Allen and the Anguilla Tennis Academy attended a cocktail reception to say farewell to Jason who is leaving the island after four years. Allen has been the Director of the Anguilla Tennis Academy (ATA) and has been instrumental in organizing the new tennis facility and the programmes for the children. The event was held at the CuisinArt Resort & Spa and was chaired by the new Director of the ATA, Marvin Hazell.

Mitchelle Lake and Jason Allen

Hazell is one of the eight coaches of the ATA who were present to express their thanks to Jason. Hazell described him as a very good force for the ATA and thanked him for his work over the years and his dedication to the children in the tennis programme. Darryl Thompson, one of the coaches, presented Jason with a crystal photo of the coaches to thank him for all he has done.

A short film was presented by Greg Travis who described Allen’s work as amazing in developing the programmes for the children and organizing international events. The film featured many of the children who have been involved in tennis over the years with comments by founder and president of the ATA, Mitchelle Lake, and by Jason.

Jason Allen and Khessim Reid

Jason is leaving Anguilla to pursue his doctorate. He gave high praise to Mitch Lake who he said had inspired him from the days that they were at Gardner Webb University together. Because of his friendship with Mitch he first came to Anguilla in 1997 as one of the coaches in the ATA Summer Camp. He noted that when he had the opportunity to return in 2004 he was delighted and became the Director of the Tennis Academy and responsible for coaching at several of the island’s resorts. He thanked everyone for their support including the Government of Anguilla. Jason presented a tennis racket, signed by Andy Roddick, to a “very special child and promising player”, Khessim Reid.

Mitch Lake thanked CuisinArt for hosting the event and to all the people who supported Jason over the years. He thanked Jason for all he had done for the Tennis Academy and the young tennis players of the island. “We wish him all the best in his endeavours and are happy that he will finish what he started,” Mitch commented as he handed Jason a plaque to thank him for his work at the ATA.

Coaches of the ATA present crystal photo to Jason

Minister of Social Development Evans McNeil Rogers described Jason as “an extra special person.” He praised Eric and Isobel Martineau who were instrumental in introducing tennis to the youth of the island, (including Mitch), and “paved the way for the ATA.” He wished Jason all the best, although noting that he will be missed.

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