GLTA hosts successful tennis programme in New Amsterdam

TIMES INT'L
Participants of the workshop executing a drill
Participants of the workshop executing a drill

In an effort to expand Lawn Tennis throughout the country the Guyana Lawn Tennis Association (GLTA) has decided to host grassroots tennis programs to equip physical education teachers with the basic knowledge of the sport.

On Saturday September 17 at the Guyana Teachers’ Union Hall, New Amsterdam, the GLTA started its first program in district 15 of the Guyana Teachers Union sporting district which is the New Amsterdam/ Canje area.

According to the district sports representative, Heathcliff Peters, fourteen teachers from the primary and secondary level attended the workshop which was fruitful and worthwhile. “There they learnt both the theory and practical facets of the game.”

Peters said the knowledge that the teachers would have gained from the program it is expected that they would return to their schools and implement the basic so the children would be ready for competition in November.

Meanwhile, Grace McCalman former GLTA President and current chairman of junior development participation, said it was a successful event. “It was a successful event, the teachers who attended were excited to start mini tennis again knowing that New Amsterdam is known for producing some of Guyana’s top tennis players like, Carol Humprey, who was the ladies champion, Godfrey Lowden, Reigning men’s over 35 champion and six time men’s double champion Jason Andrews.”

According to McCalman it is just the first of many such teachers’ workshop across the nation as GLTA seeks to once again expand its grassroots program for children 7-10 and for national school’s championship.

The GLTA’s main objective is to introduce tennis to children 7-10yrs old in school in a dynamic and fun learning environment while developing good technique and to organize competitions for identification of talent.

Saturday’s program was facilitated by Shelly Daly-Ramdyhan, National Junior Tennis Coordinator. At the end of it the teachers were handed certificate for their participation.

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