On Saturday, July 18th 2015, Mr. Mitchelle Lake, Founder and President of the Anguilla Tennis Academy (ATA), declared the 20th annual summer camp officially open. This was followed by the release of 20 balloons that each represented one of the 20 summer camps held from inception in 1996. The opening ceremony was chaired by Mrs. Keesha Fleming Lake with Coach Marvin Hazel and college players Nzingha Banks and Avern Gumbs also participating. Anguilla Tennis Academy’s Director, Coach Michael Ward spoke on the details of the upcoming summer camp.
The first event of the 20th anniversary celebrations started the day immediately after which was a thanksgiving service at the Church of God (Holiness) on the Queen Elizabeth Avenue. Players from the Anguilla Tennis Academy participated in the service as follows: a group of players representing those who attend the Anguilla Tennis Academy, dedicated a song to Mr. Lake entitled “Through it All”. Derecia Griffin, a junior player, read the scripture, and the four graduates of the Anguilla Tennis Academy who are now college players, Nzingha Banks, Avern Gumbs, Keon Halley and Tamisha Richardson gave an overview of the Anguilla Tennis Academy’s history. Avenella Griffith, a parent, and Coach Marvin Hazel presented on the disciplines of christianity & tennis juxtaposed. Pastor Philip Gumbs and his congregation warmly received the Anguilla Tennis Academy’s founder, coaches, parents, children, and staff and presented the Anguilla Tennis Academy with an award which was delivered to and accepted by Mr. Mitchelle Lake. Upon receiving the award, Mr. Lake took a moment to address the church on the grass-root beginnings of the Anguilla Tennis Academy. He described events that to his mind were divine interventions from God clearly indicating to him that the Anguilla Tennis Academy project should be pursued. Mr. Lake’s passion for the project came from his dream to use tennis as a vehicle to help Anguilla’s youth. His passion was well noted through the service. Pastor Gumbs noted that Mr. Lake followed his dream and admonished each person present to dream and follow their dreams. The two weeks of the camp will also include activities celebrating the 20th anniversary. These activities include exhibition matches, radio interviews, social evenings and a Gala slated for the 1st of August 2015.
The twentieth (20th) Anguilla Tennis Academy Summer Camp is organized under the direction of Mr. Michael Ward and commenced on Monday, July 20th 2015 through July 31st 2015. Over 80 local and international participants over the age of 5 have registered and will benefit from the tennis sessions over the two week period. International coaches will be on island for the final week of the tennis camp. Mr. Glen Agritelley, owner of T Bar M Racket Club in Dallas Texas will be returning for a second year to observe the camp and participate in the 20th year anniversary celebrations.
The Anguilla Tennis Academy team secured sponsorship from some local businesses and this along with support from international sponsors will make this year’s camp possible. Founder of the Anguilla Tennis Academy Mr. Mitchelle Lake stated the following. “This year’s summer camp marks a significant milestone in the life the Anguilla Tennis Academy. A program that started from humble beginnings has grown to become a symbol of national pride and has gained much local, regional and international attention. Thank you to everyone who have contributed to the success of the Anguilla Tennis Academy over the past 20 years.”
Over 4000 children have benefited from the Anguilla Tennis Academy’s summer camp and After School Program since its inception in 1996.
– Press Release
(Published without editing by The Anguillian newspaper.)
