On Monday, July 17th 2023, the Anguilla Tennis Academy’s (ATA) Summer Camp commenced its twenty-eighth (28th) Summer Camp organized by the ATA Director, Tristin Rogers at the ATA facility in Blowing Point. Over 70 children between the ages of three and 17 have registered for this year’s Annual Summer Camp.
Local coaches Tristin Rogers, Shridath Rey, Calyde Hughes, George Richards, Marvin Hazel, and Nzingha Banks are conducting the tennis sessions for a two-week period. They are assisted by Jharia Webster and Rhonica Connor – two graduates that will be attending college on scholarships in the U.S. this year.
Founder of the ATA, Mr. Mitchelle Lake and his team have secured sponsorship from twelve (12) local businesses to make this year’s camp possible. Mitchelle Lake commented, “I am grateful for the local sponsorship towards the ATA. Their continued support over the past 28 years have made the annual summer camp a success.”
Mr. Lake also noted that a significant highlight of this year’s camp will be the naming rights of court #5 and court #6 to two special international families that have made significant contributions over the years to develop the ATA programs and facility. Additionally, Rhonica Connor, trainee and assistant coach at the ATA will be celebrated for being accepted to William and Lee University on a FULL ACADEMIC scholarship; she will be the ATA’s 15th scholarship recipient. The ceremony will be held at the ATA on Thursday, July 27th at 3:30p.m.
This year’s summer camp is primarily run by local coaches and graduates of the ATA program. Tristin Rogers, ATA Executive Director states, “The ATA’s 2023 Summer Camp is off to a great start. The courts are alive with the sound of laughter and joyous cheers of young champions in the making.
From the little Pre-Rally players swinging their rackets to the seasoned teens perfecting their skills, every day is a testament to their passion and love for the game of tennis.”
The 70 plus participants are having a great time learning the fundamentals of tennis and playing fun games that focus on teamwork and agility. The tennis camp will culminate on Friday, July 28th. The participants will receive certificates and school supplies donated by international friends and sponsors of the ATA.
The Anguilla Tennis Academy (ATA) is a nonprofit organization established under the laws of Anguilla. Since 1996, the ATA has provided tennis to the island of Anguilla as well as other surrounding countries. To this date over 5000 participants have been introduced to the sport of tennis and 13 graduates of the program have received tennis athletic scholarships to prestigious Division II colleges in the USA.
