Charles Chocolates presented a cheque worth $50,000 to the Tennis Association of T&T during a press conference at the Eddie Taylor Public Courts in St Clair yesterday. The money will go towards the staging of the 23rd Annual Catch National Junior Tennis Championship, which will take place at the same venue from April 11-16. New champions will be crowned in both the Boys Under 18 and Girls Under 18 categories in the absence of last year's winners Liam Gomez and Elyse Maggiori. Gomez is currently studying in the United States on scholarship while Maggiori is no longer eligible to play junior tennis. The favourites to win the respective titles will be Luke De Caires, a three time Catch champion, and last year's Under 16 winner Breana Stampli, who won the Ladies' Singles at the BG T&T Tranquility Open last month.
Over 160 young players have registered to take part in the five age groups ranging from Under 10 to Under 18. There will also be a separate Novice category designed to encourage newcomers to the sport.
President of the Tennis Association of T&T Jermille Danclair said that the event was T&T's most prestigious junior tournament. "Our top juniors who play on foreign tours normally enter this tournament which gives an opportunity to the other current players to gain valuable experience by playing against them." Charles Chocolate Division Brand Manager Nadina Camps Campins pointed out that there were very few sponsorships in world sports lasting nearly a quarter century. "We stand strong in our commitment and belief in fostering the personal and social development of the youth of T&T. This tournament will give the participants the opportunity to compete at all levels, which would build their competitive spirit in addition to good camaraderie and support of others."
Charles Chocolates Marketing Manager Christopher Alcazar added that the company would be looking to expand its involvement in the sport through supporting year round community activities. "Sometimes people look at tennis and say it's not really a team sport, but there are a lot of children out there who are loners and may not be inclined to play cricket and football, and it's important that you give them avenues to be able to develop themselves."