Lae Tennis Association has recorded 85 registered juniors in their inaugural LTA Lewas Junior Tennis Championship hosted recently.
President Glenn Cabasug said it was a successful event capping off a good year for their association as they head into the festive break.
“We had a total of 85 juniors that registered - 36 were males and 49 were females. It's a good indication and a good sign in our first year of the championship,” Cabasug said.
“The age groups were from 5-18 years old. We also had visiting players, where five were from the Port Moresby Racquets Club and three were from Australia, the remaining 77 were from Lae.”
Cabasug said they were grateful to the Lae Biscuit Company who came on board as the major and naming rights sponsor through the new brand Lewa, among other sponsors.
“They’ve been supportive throughout the year. For LBC, this is the biggest contribution and partnership they've made with us. We are grateful to Ian (Chow) for supporting us,” he said.
The president said the junior tennis program had been bearing fruits of their labor, with about five juniors making the junior national team, of which two more are expected to make their debut in the 2025 West Pacific Regional Championship in Fiji next month. They are Macklyn Meninga for the U12 Girls team and Irene Jose for the U16 Girls.
Cabasug said this was the last major event on their calendar. However, they are expected to return earlier next year for the singles competition at the Lae Golf Club Tennis courts, which has become their home since affiliating with the PNG Tennis Association.
“This was our last major tournament for the year. Our calendar for next year consists of our junior development program, that's why it's so robust and successful,” he added.
“We will continue to grow our junior coaching and development programs, and prepare for the upcoming tournaments in 2025.”
Cabasug also acknowledged all the sponsors who came on board to support them this year in their program and looks forward to working with them next year moving forward.
PC: Larry Andrew
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