Schools, communities urged to support expansion of road tennis

Minister of Sports Charles Griffith has renewed calls for more schools and communities to embrace road tennis, as efforts continue to grow the island’s indigenous sport. 

Speaking at The Lodge School on Tuesday during the presentation of road tennis equipment to the institution, Minister Griffith urged students to make full use of the facilities and equipment available to them, noting that the sport could open doors to new opportunities. 

“I want this morning to present some road tennis equipment to you, rackets and balls through my department, the Community Independent Secretariat. 

This is not just a presentation of road tennis balls and equipment. What government through my ministry is trying to do with road tennis, is to grow road tennis on island and abroad,” he explained.

Griffith revealed that a Barbadian delegation will soon be heading to the UK to showcase the sport.

“The opportunity presents itself for maybe one or two of you to be on that particular team or if not this trip to England, to other countries because we need to carry youngsters to show what road tennis is all about.

“I’m hoping that this particular court will be alive and well during lunchtime and after school and prior to school with the game of road tennis. We want as many schools as possible to be involved in the process.”

Minister Griffith also urged community groups to engage with his ministry in order to help further expand the reach of the sport.

“I want to say to you as well that if you’re living in a neighbourhood and you want a real tennis court, get in contact with the ministry and we will put a court in that particular area because this is one of those low cost sports that you can play and to keep fit,” he added.

Chairman of the Board of Management at the Lodge School Henry Inniss, thanked the minister for the donation, which he described as timely. “It comes at a very opportune time. Our school recently added our support to an initiative to launch a school’s competition in September this year, 

so this equipment will be in good time to boost our competitiveness for this tournament. Prompted by your initiative, the Lodge School PTA is also making a donation of equipment today and we thank them dearly.”

 

(KH)