The Level 3 Anguilla Tennis Cup 2019, from November 2-9, is both a substantial boost to the continued development of sports tourism on the island – and to the Anguilla Tennis Academy (ATA), now planning to celebrate its 25th Anniversary in 2020 and its significant contribution to the sport and educational scholarships.
Media representatives were invited to a meeting on Tuesday, October 29, to be apprised of, and to support, the joint event in which the main stakeholders are the Anguilla Tourist Board – and the Tennis Academy, whose founder and CEO is Mr. Mitch Lake.
Mr. Jameel Rochester, the Tourist Board’s Assistant Manager, Destination Experience, said the ATB was working very closely with the Tennis Academy on the Anguilla Cup, now in its fourth year. “This year it is the only Level 3 match in the Caribbean region. It gives us a sense of importance and shows that we, as a destination, have the necessary facilities to accommodate such an event – and that our facilities far exceed those of other destinations,” he said. “This gives us the recognition of having this event at such a higher category than what we have had in years gone by.”
He continued: “The Anguilla Tourist Board sees the value in supporting areas that promote sports tourism. We realise that events like these draw players from overseas – and family members who will stay at our accommodation facilities and enjoy them.” He invited all members of the public to be at the Anguilla Tennis Academy for the preliminary events and the Tennis Cup matches.
Mr. Mitch Lake said: “We, as Anguillians, should be proud of this event. This year, Anguilla qualified for the first Level 3 Tournament in the entire Caribbean and this is largely due to the facilities we have. Next year the Anguilla Tennis Academy will be celebrating twenty-five years of providing tennis for the children of Anguilla, the region and the world in general.
“I think this is a great lead-up to our 25th Anniversary, and in addition to that, we are able to host the first Level 3 Tournament in the Caribbean, where junior players in the main draw are ranked from 150 in the world up to ties as high number 42. This is significant for Anguilla because this is the highest level of play that you will ever see in terms of junior events in the Caribbean. The players will be male and female juniors.”
The Tennis Academy founder further said: “Over seventy players will be in Anguilla. They are coming from 21 different countries such as: Switzerland, the United States, China, Jamaica, Slovenia, Argentina, France, Spain, Bermuda, Vietnam, Puerto Rico, Honduras, Japan, Mexico, Hong Kong, Great Britain, South Africa, Lithuania, Germany and Spain.”
The official tournament hotel is the Anguilla Great House located a few kilometers from the Tennis Academy in Blowing Point. Special packages are available for both players and spectators, with additional options at select properties including CuisinArt Golf Resort & Spa and La Vue Boutique Hotel.
