Tennis is an addiction that once it has truly hooked a man will not let him go. ~Russell Lynes
In the past tennis was a popular sport in St. Lucia. We were always very strongly represented at regional and international events (including Davis Cup) and local tournaments were held with frequency.
Today, only two tournaments are consistently held; the ITF Coca Cola Junior International and the National Heineken Open. St. Lucia's standing in international and regional tournaments have fallen as well. Not to take away from the efforts of our regional counterparts who have obviously committed themselves to developing tennis in their own countries, St. Lucian tennis just seems to have fallen drastically.
Unfortunately, Tennis was (and still is) viewed as a rich man's sport. This has always been the major weakness of Tennis in St. Lucia. A weakness often perpetrated for the benefit of a few. This is the weakness that Tiger Tennis hopes to address.
Tiger Tennis is an organisation dedicated to making tennis accessible and available to youth (both in and out of school)island wide. Tiger Tennis hopes to revitalize the game locally so that we can regain our stance in regional and international events.
Tiger Tennis is led by it's creator and President Sirsean Arlain. Siresean has represented St. Lucia at Davis Cup from 2000 - 2006, was St. Lucia's number one player from 2000 - 2004 and Tennis player of the year in 2001. Sirsean also attended Avarett University from 2003 - 2005 where he was the number one player and named First Team All Singles 2003 - 2005 and All Doubles in 2003.
After returning to St. Lucia, Sirsean began work with the island's biggest hotel chain as the resident Tennis Pro. During this time he offered classes to local children and adults alike providing inexpensive group and individual lessons and even providing free training for the development of his more promising students.
Sirsean soon left the hotel in order to pursue his dream of bringing tennis to the people. He began talks with relevant government offices and private businesses in order to bring his dream to reality. Soon he had the Ministries of Youth and Sport and the Substance Abuse Advisory Council Secretariat of the Ministry of Health on board. Additionally he was able to rally support from local businesses like Ezone and Subway.
Sirsean then rallied a few dedicated coaches to his cause and began the process of organizing the groundwork for his plan. As the work develops, he hopes to be ready to start his school based aspect in September. Soon tennis will regain it's former glory in St. Lucia and open new horizons for its people. All thanks to one man who was committed to a cause.
If you wish to contact the Tiger Tennis group please email them at tigertennisslu@gmail.com or telephone (758) 724 1387
