Minister Smith hails new Racquet Centre

Trinidad and Tobago has produced many top national junior players over the years but has struggled to produce top players at the senior level. Miniser Smith said the facility will help grow the sport of tennis. He said, “I think with this facility with the indoor facility especially because when it rains you know tennis has to stop.

I think with the gym and the areas that they have for the other technical aspects of the game, I think we are going to see a rise in tennis.” Smith is hopeful we will produce players who will compete on the pro circuit.

Smith is keen to see the facility constantly being utilised. “Between us and the (Tennis) Association because as I said we work closely with the NGB’s (National Governing Bodies) to ensure that we are going to have as many tournaments from the primary level, secondary school, the grassroot level and all the people from this entire area to use it, from Tobago and the region as well.” Also in attendance yesterday for the official opening were chairman of the Sport Company of TT Michael Phillips, Minister of Tourism Shamfa Cudjoe and MP for Tunapuna Esmond Forde. A number of national junior and senior players tested the facility and played exhibition matches.

Asked how he feels to open the tennis centre, Minister Smith said, “At the end of the day it is not about me, it is about the people of Trinidad and Tobago, it’s about the young athletes out there. I know the Member of Parliament for the area is ecstatic; I know he wanted this as councillor, as vice-chairman, now he has gotten it as MP.” An International Tennis Federation Coaches Conference was held at the venue this week and Smith said the course gave the coaches an opportunity to see the facility which will help TT ’s Sport Tourism drive. A total of 14 coaches from 14 countries participated in the coaching course.

Forde is happy to have the facility in his area. He said, “It’s great. It’s situated here on the Eddie Hart Ground and as you know it has been a sporting facility for many years with football and cricket being the main sports. It will only do good and we are going to see coming out not only from the East but out of Trinidad and Tobago more individuals playing tennis.”