The Anguilla Tennis Academy (ATA) conducted its 21st annual summer camp from July 18 through July 29th 2016 at its facility in Blowing Point. Over fifty (50) students, between the ages of 5 through 17, attended the two weeks sessions. The camp was organized and directed by Founder of the ATA, Mr. Mitchelle Lake. He was assisted by local coaches Vallan Hodge-Richardson, Denny Derrick, George Richards, and Damien Brookes. ATA college students, who returned home for summer vacation, also volunteered their time to the younger children in the summer camp.
International coaches, Chris Wade (Texas), Ian Risenhoover (Oregon) and Ethan Moskowski (NY), were on island for the final week of tennis. Chris Wade, Athletic Director of T Bar M Racket Club in Dallas, Texas, was selected to attend the USTA High Performance Continuing Education Conference in Portland, Oregon, prior to arriving in Anguilla. Chris was one of eighteen coaches selected to participate in the conference which was held July 15-17 during the USA vs. Croatia Davis Cup weekend. The conference focused primarily on professional and high level junior point play.
Chris Wade directed the final week of the summer program and when asked about his experience he stated, “It is always an honor to visit the ATA every summer and work with the children in the program. I was able to impart some of the knowledge I gained from the conference as it relates to tactics for both singles and doubles to both the local coaches and players.”
Mr. Lake and his team secured sponsorship from over 15 local businesses namely Gorgeous Scilly Cay, ABC Supplies, Triple K Car Rental, Anguilla Social Security Board, Fleming Lake Group, Inc., Viceroy Anguilla, Picante Restaurant, Straw Hat Restaurant, Malliouhana, Anguilla Development Board, Nagico Insurance, Greig’s Trucking, Smokey’s Restaurant, Anguilla Great House, Cap Juluca, Tasty’s Restaurant, E’s Oven, and B & D’s Barbecue to make this year’s camp possible. Organizer Lake commented, “We are grateful for the continued support from our local businesses towards the annual summer camp. We applaud their dedication to our summer camp and the development of our children through the sport of tennis.”
For more information on the Anguilla Tennis Academy and their programs, visit their website at www.anguillatennis.com.
– Contributed
