Grassroots tennis series attracts more sponsorship support

FIRST GLOBAL Bank (FGB) and STL Solar have reaffirmed their commitment as title sponsors for the second event in the Orange and Green Ball Tennis Series, organised by The Tennis Kernel Academy (TTKA). The event is set for Saturday, July 5, and Sunday, July 6, at Tennis Jamaica on Marescaux Road.

The series, launched in February, focuses on the development of young tennis players as they move from amateur to professional, supporting a progressive transition from mini-tennis to full-court play. Currently, more than 25 athletes have registered for the upcoming series.

TTKA Head, Lieutenant Colonel Warrenton Dixon, elaborated on the purpose of the event.

“What we’re offering is an intermediate level for youth because it doesn’t exist locally; we have had red ball tournaments (fit for use by five and under tennis players), yellow-ball tournaments (suited for children 10 and under), so doing the orange and green-ball levels on a regular basis provides our athletes with the opportunity to develop their skills as they grow in the sport.”

FGB’s Chief Operating Officer, Terry-Ann Graver, expressed strong support for TTKA’s approach to grassroots development.

“As a responsible corporate citizen committed to nation-building, FGB is especially inspired by initiatives that focus on children and instil lifelong values such as financial literacy. This is what makes the Orange and Green Ball Tennis Series so compelling. We are proud to be part of it and remain open to future partnerships.”

Young athletes will compete in the girls’ and boys’ under-11 orange ball singles, girls’ and Boys’ under-12 green ball singles, and girls’ and boys’ under-12 orange ball doubles for a chance to win $10,000 each for the winners of the boys’ and girls’ singles divisions, provided by FGB. In addition, the first 10 new and 10 returning entrants will share $40,000 evenly, and another $20,000 will be raffled among another 10 lucky participants.

All winners will be paid via new complimentary First Global Bank savings accounts, encouraging children to develop sound saving habits.

At the inaugural event, FGB opened accounts for all 30 participants, totalling $90,000.

Echoing his support for the event, Chippie Chang of STL Solar praised the initiative for addressing a longstanding developmental gap in youth tennis. “From my experience, it’s unrealistic to expect young children to move directly from mini courts to full courts, which are nearly four times the size without compromising their technical foundation. Scaled stages, like those used in developed countries, are essential for their progression.”

John Azar, President of Tennis Jamaica and CEO of KingAlarm, both of which are repeat sponsors of the series, agreed.

“This tournament series is timely and necessary. As the governing body for tennis in Jamaica, we know that solid grassroots programmes are the backbone of long-term development. TTKA is playing a crucial role and supporting this effort as TJ President and as a private-sector leader is a clear choice.”

Other sponsors include Dime Pay, TruShake, HDRN Consulting, Chow Tennis Academy (Miami), Zip and Go Logistic Services, and Frozen Delights Distributors.

Registration for the series closes today.