To The Editor:
Tennis Jamaica is extremely proud of its partnership with the Early Childhood Commission (ECC) to introduce Play and Stay Tennis in Basic Schools across Jamaica.
This is the exact same program that First Lady Michelle Obama has selected for her ‘Let’s Move Program’ in the United States for which she has partnered with the USTA .
Whilst Tennis Jamaica does not have the USTA’s budget we are determined to give our children the same opportunities for growth and development that the First Lady of The United States has identified as being important for American Children!
Self-discipline, self-control, and hand–eye coordination are all encouraged in a fun filled healthy learning activity. Tennis also enhances the development of those little brains, encouraging and promoting critical thinking, problem solving skills , and also helps to build their self-esteem.
The profound effect that having a male coach has on our very young children is an honour for us to see.
Tennis will connect our children to a worldwide fraternity via the International Tennis Federation (ITF) and the ITF Junior Tournament Circuit and provide a pathway to University Scholarships all over America
This is a sport that offers phenomenal earning potential! Serena Williams won US$2.6 M during the summer of 2013!
Please select a school from the following list that you would like to support VIA INCOME TAX DEDUCTIBLE DONATIONS MADE TO THE AMERICAN FRIENDS OF JAMAICA(AFJ) for TENNIS JAMAICA or name any other school that you would like to support and we will work with you on setting up a program there.
Whilst we are in negotiations with the Ministry of Education to introduce tennis to Jamaica’s Primary School System we have, nevertheless started Play and Stay Tennis programs in Primary Schools where funding has been provided which schools are mentioned below.
With a little help from you we can do this!
http://www.usta.com/usta_joins_first_lady_michelle_obama_to_encourage_children_to_be_active/
List of Schools with Play & Stay Tennis Programmes
Kingston & St. Andrew
Amy Bailey Basic School (Tennis Jamaica coach visited school, gave demonstration. Programme pending, seeking sponsors.)
Arnold Road Basic School (Tennis Jamaica coach visited school, gave demonstration. Programme pending, seeking sponsors.)
Gospel Hall Refuge Basic School *since January 2014
Half Way Tree Primary School (Tennis Jamaica coach visited school, gave demonstration. Programme pending, seeking sponsors.)
Jesse Ripoll Basic School(Tennis Jamaica coach visited school, gave demonstration. Programme pending, seeking sponsors.)
Lawrence Tavern Primary School(Tennis Jamaica coach visited school, gave demonstration. Programme pending, seeking sponsors.)
Mannings Hill Primary School * (recently concluded)
Providence Methodist Basic School** since January 2014, to be mentored by Jamaica College
St. John’s Basic School(Tennis Jamaica coach visited school, gave demonstration. Programme pending, seeking sponsors)
St. Richard’s Primary School(Tennis Jamaica coach visited school, gave demonstration. Programme pending, seeking sponsors)
Sandy Park Basic School* (in progress, not fully up and running yet) ** to be mentored by Campion College
Shady Grove Basic School* (in progress, not fully up and running yet)** to be mentored by American International School, Kingston (AISK)
Stony Hill Primary School(Tennis Jamaica coach visited school, gave demonstration. Programme pending, seeking sponsors.)
Sylvia Foote Basic School(Tennis Jamaica coach visited school, gave demonstration. Programme pending)
Hanover
Hopewell Deliverance Christian Centre ** since May 2013
Sandy Bay Community Basic School ** since May 2013
Mt. Pelier Basic School ** since May 2013
–American Friends of Jamaica
