Tournament held in Petionville
Now that the COVID-19 pandemic has abated in Haiti, where it never really became the scourge that it is in most countries in the world, the schools, churches, large outdoor meetings are now allowed. The coaches, Walter Vertidort and Jude Luma, organized an in-house tournament for the younger players, mostly short court red and orange balls. A highlight of the tournament included an important aspect of all tournaments our teams attends; a nourishing lunch.
Coaches Walter and Jude took 12 of their top players ages 12 and 14 to an invitational tournament in Port-au-Prince. from October 30 to November 2. Some tournaments are one day tournaments, but others take place over several days. The Deschapelles team boards a van at about 4:30 in the morning for the 3-hour drive to arrive in time for the tournament to begin. The tournaments give the Deschapelles players opportunities to play against new opponents, where their skills are tested beyond what they meet in Deschapelles. At the end of the tournament, be it a one-day or a several-day tournament, the team and coaches leave in the afternoon for the 3-hour trip back. Walter and Jude provide bananas, mangoes and bread for the trip in. Tournaments always provide a classic lunch of rice and beans, sometimes with chicken. On the way home the coaches stop at known vendors to purchase dinners. This tournament was special as it was the first post pandemic tournament. The Deschapelles team was proud to come home with trophies for the winners; in the age 12 girls category, Dubreuille Alexensky Kechly won. In the age 14 category girls, Estimable Christ-Marley won, and category boys, Richard Sterley was the winner. In addition to the competition itself, this gives youth in Deschpelles the opportunity to see a different part of the country, a large city, and to interact with new people. And all involved had the excitement of participating as the Deschapelles team returning with trophies, and serving as good ambassadors from the town of Deschapelles .
In mid-September, the Deschapelles Tennis Team hosted a Haitian Tennis Federation Tournament for the under-10 players who compete, like other international teams, on a short court. Seven teams participated. The Deschapelles tennis coaches organized the meals, and the Tennis Federation covered the costs of the meals and brought referees and supplies. Hospital Albert Schweitzer provided overnight housing for the visiting players with their coaches who had traveled to Deschapelles from Port au Prince. A real collaboration!
Sister Cities Essex Haiti’s Club Tennis Deschapelles is busy now that school is out. They are continuing their training and have added a “ladder” system where players can challenge fellow players who are listed above them the ladder. They are also organizing a local tournament for their team members to take place at the end of July. The club received a wonderful gift of high quality strings from Solinco, an organization that produces high quality tennis equipment. They are proud to have the Solinco banner hanging on the wall. Thank you Solinco!!!
