New Youth Tennis Tournament Set for January 2012

The dawning of 2012 will see the territory’s first Youth 4 Youth Tennis Tournament, open to all territory youngsters with a tennis bent between the ages of eight and 18. The three-day tournament will run from Jan. 14 through Jan. 16 at the St. Thomas Yacht Club.

The project is the first endeavor of the Junior Philanthropists of St. Thomas, a group founded by Nicholas Midler of Antilles School, and includes about 14 youngsters between the ages of 11 and 14.

First lady Cecile deJongh, who champions the Tennis in the Parks and Schools (TIPS) initiative, gave the group her enthusiasm for the project this week, when she met with some of the youngsters at the Yacht Club.

Expressing her delight at the entrepreneurial spirit of the youngsters, the first lady said, "The students who took the initiative to organize this tournament have come up with an incredibly creative way to give back to the community by turning ideas into action."

DeJongh continued, "This largely youth-driven event is a wonderful example of sports competition with a community benefit. The effort of these students is inspiring, deserving of our praise."

The first lady, an avid supporter of healthy living under her various initiatives, continued in a release, "Tennis, like all sports, increases self-confidence, challenges one to reach his or her goals, and is a natural conduit for positive programs that benefit society at large. Through events like this one we are expanding opportunities for youth tennis in the territory.

"When you consider the funds raised toward this event will be put back into the community for school projects, it’s a win-win for all."

Nicholas Midler, who is also the president of the Junior Philanthropists, agreed. "The support and attention we are receiving is very exciting and will help make this a great event. We look forward to continuing the momentum and kicking off a great tournament in January."

The organization has assembled an impressive group of tennis professionals and volunteers, including Dave Giza, George Lewis, Mike Van Buskirk, Patrice Harley, Stedman Anthony, Norwell Smith, and Sharon Flamon.

Youngsters with all levels of experience are welcome, Midler said. The tournament will also offer a modified category for youth under ten years utilizing Quick Start, a US Tennis Association format for early players that offers a shortened tennis court and low-pressure balls, he said in the release.

The group is a registered not-for-profit organization in partnership with the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands, and entrants are encouraged to register early: registration deadline is Jan. 9.

The group’s website exhibits the enthusiasm of the youngsters encouraging new members:

"Being a member of the Junior Philanthropists means you get to come up with fund raising ideas. We hope to organize at least one major event each year. In addition, members, with help of the CFVI, decide where our funds get allocated. We research and discover new projects that help youths in our community. You will get to learn what it is to be a philanthropist and have fun along the way with other members…"

To register and for more information, visit www.y4ytennis.com, or email event organizers at give4tennis@gmail.com.