Local businesses give life to road tennis

CHRISTCHURCH, BARBADOS - Road Tennis in Christ Church, Barbados has

been given a new lease on life, due to interventions by some of the corporate

citizens operating at the newly upgraded Oistins Bay Garden Complex.

Road Tennis at Oistins

Road tennis, which happens to be the only indigenous sporting discipline of the

Caribbean, had become virtually extinct around this old Christ Church fishing

town.

However, its resurgence has been warmly embraced by at least three of the

business establishments operating in and around this spanking new facility,

which has added a fresh and exciting atmosphere to this buzzing commercial

spot.

According to one of chief architects behind the introduction of the game to the

location, a player with the nick name ‘Dangerous,’ at first there was some

opposition to the court being placed here, but the project still went ahead.  

When ‘Lexie’ proprietor of the well-known Lexie’s Place, and Chrystal, the

operator of another popular business in the vicinity, gave it their support, half

the battle was won.

During the initial stages, only players living and working in and around the

popular fishing community used the facility. People would stop by to watch, and

began enjoying the spectacle, set in the relaxing atmosphere of this enchanting

south-coast fishing community.

Their enjoyment was so much, that many would leave their work places or

homes every day, and come by just to see their favourite players display their

prowess on the road tennis court.

It was this popular appeal buoyed by the blessing of the parliamentary

representative MP John Boyce, finally won the approval of persons. Some had

some lingering reservations with regard to the establishment of a home for the

sport of road tennis.

after game

MP Boyce, according to well-placed sources, generously provided the cash

needed to sponsor the Road Tennis Competition, held during the 2008 Annual

Oistins Fish Festival over the Easter weekend.

During the presentation of prizes, MP Boyce promised that he would gladly give

his assistance to facilitate the growth of the sport in this area.

Many are fervently hoping that some of the other political leaders, will share his

foresight and good will for Barbados national sport, and the Caribbean only

indigenous sport.

When news got out to the other road tennis playing communities in Barbados

that there was road tennis court in Oistins of acceptable standards, and quality

of play was very competitive, big named players from as far away as St. Lucy, St.

Philip, St. John, St. George, St. Michael, and within the same Christ Church took

notice.

By ones, then twos, and in groups they began to come, amongst them being

some of the best road tennis players in the world.

Namely Tony ‘Ears’ Mitchell, Jeffrey ‘Borah’ Best, Edwin ‘Dabbo’ Carrington,

‘Teebud’ Sealy, Dan Skeet, Shabir Greenage, Charles Taylor, Marson Johnson just

to mention a few.

Their presence graced the courts, and delighted all who were fortunate to be

present with their magic. This caused support to the resident players, to be

shifted as persons reluctantly switch allegiances after seeing the incredibly high

standard of play that these seasoned campaigners exhibited.

At the time of writing, at least three of the business establishments, namely

Lexie’s Place, Kathy’s Bar and Chrystal’s Bar, cognizant of the interest and

excitement that road tennis has been able to generate, had pooled resources

and contributed sponsorship money for the hosting of a ‘Shot Gun’ tournament.

It is so encouraging to see the far-sightedness of business community,  because

with the traffic which road tennis have and will generate, the returns on their

investment, financial and otherwise, could be a hundredfold on the day, the

benefits of which would be felt long after the sun has set and persons have

retired to their place of abode. (By-: Alfred ‘Freddabbot’ Smith)