Mr. Calyde Hughes is an avid 30-year-old tennis enthusiast who has been grooming his skills in tennis for the past twenty years. On Sunday, October 20th, Hughes and his 32-year-old colleague, Denny Derrick will leave Anguilla to take part in the Barbados Tennis Cup, a grueling six-day tournament which begins on Monday, October 21st.
Mr. Hughes said: “As Denny and I go to participate in the Barbados Cup, we go to represent Anguilla and the Anguilla National Tennis Academy (ANTA). Both of us have started playing tennis at a very young age. Denny was eight when he started and I was five. Both of us started to practice on the court at the Ronald Webster Park, and we owe our allegiance and thanks to our coaches Mr. Mitchel Lake, Mr. Damien Hughes and Mr. Sean Romney.”
Mr. Derrick observes that he had risen to the ranks of instructor at the local Tennis Academy in Blowing Point. He said it is a very rewarding experience for him to train youngsters who are at the same tender age as he was when he started.
When asked how many tournaments he had participated in overseas, Derrick reflected. “I have played in several tournaments in the Caribbean, including the OECS Tournament. It is a great experience to see how all the islands can get together and play for their respective country in such a wonderful sport as tennis.
“We are going to Barbados now to do our best at the game. It is something that we have a passion for. We will not be just play one-on-one, but we are also due to play doubles through the course of the week.”
The Barbados Tennis Cup is just one of a series of tournament hosted in various islands throughout the year. Others include the Anguilla Cup, Antigua and Barbuda Cup, the Bahamas Cup, Curacao Cup, the Cayman Islands Cup and the US Virgin Islands Cup. The Barbados Tennis Cup, which will take place at the National Tennis Center, in Bridgetown, will feature players from all around the world.
Messer’s Hughes and Derrick wish to thank their sponsors who have made it possible for them to take part in the Barbados tennis meet. These include: ANGLEC; the department of Sports; Greggs Trucking; SER Legal & Consulting Services; Gadget City; English Rose Restaurant; Imperial Gases; Mepits Solutions; J&B Electronics; J.W. Proctors; and Mrs. Evalie Bradley.
Thanks are also extended to all of the individuals who supported the fundraisers — including the Kiddie’s Clinic and the breakfast event.
– Staff Reporter, James R. Harrigan
