Amateur tennis series gets Liguanea Club, Innovative Systems backing
Published:Wednesday | June 7, 2023 | 1:18 AMLivingston Scott/Gleaner Writer
INNOVATIVE SYSTEMS Limited has partnered with the Liguanea Club to organise the first post-COVID amateur tennis series, the Innovative Invitational Amateur Tennis Classics, which takes place at the popular St Andrew venue from June 12-17.
Garth Walker, Innovative Systems executive chairman, said although the initial sponsorship is for three years, the aim is to grow the tournament into one of the best on the island.
“I used to play badminton for Jamaica, so I am a former racquet sport athlete. I also have a longstanding relationship with (tournament director) Llockett (McGregor), so when he contacted me I said ‘tennis is something I love as well’ and it sounded interesting and exciting, so I told him I would come on board,” he said.
He noted that after final discussions, he decided Innovative Systemns would stay with the tournament for at least three years.
“If you are going invest, in the first year you will get the equity and then you start to reap the year after. So if you are making an investment, we have to make the investment worth it,” he commented.
He also hopes the players will put on a show for the tennis-loving public and make it an event worth going the distance to see.
“I am excited to see who is going to win. I know we will have strong competition among the players, so I am just excited. I hope this becomes the number one tournament in Jamaica and that’s the goal. I expect the players to give their all and may the best man and woman win,” he stated.
The inaugural tournament slated to start on Monday, will have more than 90 participants divided into four categories, men’s open, men’s class two and three, and ladies B category.
McGregor, the tournament director, was happy to have competitive tennis back at the club, and he encouraged families to come out, especially for the final day, which coincidentally is also Father’s Day.
“Now that COVID is over, this is going to be our first event on the calendar. So we are very happy to partner with Innovative, who have made a commitment to be with us for the next three years. It is going to be an exciting and competitive tournament based on the numbers we have had. This is one of our largest turnouts that we have had in quite some time. We want the public to come out and enjoy a good tournament. We want mothers, sons and daughters to also come and watch daddy play on Father’s Day,” he said.
The men’s open category will boast players like Dwayne Pagon, Damion Johnson, Jermaine Miller and Nicholas Chung while all the top ladies are expected to take part in the female section.
“With 90 players taking part in four categories, I expect a very exciting tournament,” McGregor added.