ANGUILLA-The Caribbean Commercial Bank (CCB) on Friday November 28 donated US$85,000 to the Anguilla Tennis Academy (ATA) for the tennis facility to be built at Blowing Point.
In presenting the donation, Managing Director, Preston Bryan congratulated Michelle Lake for spearheading the new complex. He noted that the Bank has sponsored many sports over the years and he sees their position in society as 'instrumental in developing the entire human being.' He said he is proud and glad to be associated with the project and hopes it will do well for Anguilla and the children of the island.
"Today the ATA is proud to salute the CCB for its commitment to the community and our children," said Mitch after receiving the cheque. "I would like to thank CCB for its leadership and outstanding contribution towards the development of a world class tennis facility for Anguilla's youth." He urged other businesses to follow the example of CCB and participate in the project.
Director of Sport, Alkins Rogers, spoke of the project as very significant to him in terms of exposure for the island. He congratulated the ATA and Lake for his "never say die" attitude, adding that the facility will have a real impact and will be great for Anguilla's development. He said the Ministry of Sport is immensely grateful to Lake and the ATA. He thanked the CCB who he said are "always there for us" and willing to support sports.
Chairman of the Tourist Board, John Benjamin congratulated CCB for its good citizenship in supporting so many sports. He said that Mitch always wanted to play tennis and he has persevered to achieve his dream. "I wish you well and every success," he said.
The funding from CCB is for the centre court of the complex which will also have seating for up to 2000 persons. Lake reported that so far pledges for the facility are in excess of US$200,000 and he expects that after the ground breaking on December 29 there will be many more donations.
ANGUILLA-The National Bank of Anguilla (NBA) on Friday November 28 presented a cheque for US$75,000 to Mitchelle Lake, founder and president of the Anguilla Tennis Academy (ATA).
The event was chaired by Pamela Riley, Manager of Market Research and Business Development of NBA and attended by senior officials from the Bank. She called the event a momentous one for NBA,
Chairman of the Board of NBA, Joseph Norris Payne spoke of the convincing power point presentation that Lake had made to the Board some weeks ago, inviting sponsorship for the new tennis facility. The Board decided it was a worthwhile development for the youth of the island and gave their full support for the donation. He applauded Lake and his vision and said he sincerely hopes many more sponsors will come forward to support the ATA.
Lake commended NBA for its ongoing support and commitment to the youth of Anguilla. He stressed the importance of everyone coming together for future development.
The Chief Financial Officer, Ian Ferguson, says the vision of the ATA has generated excitement in Anguilla and beyond. He praised Lake for recognizing the importance of tennis in the development of young people. NBA is excited to demonstrate our slogan 'More than banking, a commitment to Anguilla's development,' he said. NBA has great expectations for the ATA, Ferguson added as he presented the cheque for US$75,000 and wished the ATA much success.
In attendance together with the speakers already named were CEO of the Bank, Valentine Banks, Corporate Officer, Roy Horsford and members of the Board and staff of NBA.
ANGUILLA-The Anguilla Tennis Academy (ATA) has received a further boost towards building the state of the art facility at Blowing Point. On Wednesday December 24 the Social Security Board presented Mitchelle Lake, President of the ATA, with a cheque for US$75,000.
Chairman of the Board of Social Security, Marcel Fahie, said the occasion was very significant and that the Board is pleased to sponsor one of the courts for the new facility. He said the Board has always supported youth and in particular sports so it was an easy decision to make the grant. He noted that the ATA will not only be for the benefit of young persons but will contribute considerably to tourism on the island.
Timothy Hodge, Director of Social Security said they are very happy to be associated with the project. He reported that Social Security has been involved in tennis for the past ten years when they funded the construction of three public tennis courts which really assisted the Tennis Academy as the summer camps have taken place at the Webster courts. He noted that the donation to the ATA was from the Social Security Development Fund, set up in 1976, that includes 3.75% of all contributions that go into a fund to be used for social purposes as approved by the Board and the Ministry of Finance. Therefore it is donation from the people of Anguilla who contribute to Social Security. He suggested that Anguilla could produce an international tennis star in the future but these facilities and the coaching provided are essential first.
Lake recognized the part that Social Security has played already in the development of tennis and on behalf of the ATA he thanked the Board for their continued support and dedication. "Your generous pledge of US$75,000 towards the construction of a tennis court demonstrates your commitment to the successful implementation of this project and the growth of children through the sport of tennis," he said. He commented that he is gratified and excited by the breadth of support locally and trusts that other businesses will follow.
The ATA facility was originally estimated to cost US$3 million but Lake explained that a significant amount of that has been donated including the land from the Government of Anguilla, the drawings from architect Myron Goldfinger and many donations in kind of building materials and other assistance both locally, regionally and internationally. This has all brought the cost down to about US$1 million and so far nearly $400,000 of that has been raised. The ground breaking for the facility will take place on Monday December 29 at the Blowing Point ball park and everyone is invited to attend the function that starts at 4.00 p.m.
Speaking of the brick campaign, Lake says he wants all Anguillians to feel part of the project and he is asking everyone to support this part of the campaign by purchasing a brick for $100 that will be used to pave the entrance to the new facility.
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Mitchell Lake - PTR Founder/ President E-mail: [email protected] Cell #: 540-454-0285 |
Bill Riddle - PTR/ USPTA Executive Director E-mail: [email protected] Cell #: 615-243-6698 |
