Come to play tennis – enjoy the Jamaican experience
THE INTERNATIONAL Tennis Federation (ITF) Jamaica Cup was recently held at Half Moon Resort in Montego Bay, and it was a great blend of the best of tennis and the ideal destination. Over the six days, participants engaged in tennis clinics, exhibition and ITF matches.
For this year’s event, tennis celebrities Johan Kriek, former Australian Open Champion, and Jesse Witten, former United States tennis professional, were on board to impart their knowledge to the over 50 persons who travelled to the island for the event. The two also played a thrilling doubles exhibition match against Kevin Chow of Tennis Academy and Biltmore Tennis Center and Marcus Malcolm of Half Moon Resor, to the delight of the spectators. Overseas coaches Geoff Bower, director of Tennis Bayview Golf and Country Club, Toronto, and Andrew Chmura of Grand Slam Tennis Tours and Topnotch Tennis Tours taught the players the fundamentals of the game.
CLINIC MIXED WITH CULTURE
The International Tennis Federation Jamaica Cup is organised by Jamaica-born Canadian tennis professional Karl Hale. The allure of the event continues to be that Destination Jamaica is an excellent fit for tennis with exciting experiences for the participants to enjoy. Coach Geoff Bower explained, “I love the island and the people. I’ve been coming here for 12 years and the trip is the highlight of my year. The tennis clinic exposes the participants to Jamaican culture. In fact, before they arrive, I send them Patois phrases, Jamaican dance videos and pictures of the food. When I do the warm-up sessions, I use Jamaican dancehall and ska music.”
The Helping Hands Foundation, a philanthropic organisation started by Hale, benefits from proceeds of the event, and while there is no denying the appeal of the island, the cause has an equally magnetic pull for the participants. Through building of schools and the donation of school resources and expertise, the foundation has been improving the lives of Jamaica’s children and their communities.
Johan Kriek said this of Hale’s initiative, “I am proud of what Karl does in communities through the clinics. Tennis has allowed me to explore the world, create lifelong friends and have rich experiences. It allows you to do the things that Karl is doing for Jamaica’s schools. Sports has made a huge difference. As a South African, I saw how rugby literally saved South Africa from anarchy”.
Jesse Witten expressed similar sentiments when he said, “Karl’s drive and passion make you want to do things in your community. He gives of his time helping with the clinic, and people respect him and love what he does.”