This year’s tournament was staged at Figges Marsh, Mitcham, Surrey on the Bank Holiday 26th and 27th August. It was contested by a set of eager participants representing a host of Countries such as: Poland, Jamaica, Belarus, Nigeria, Ukraine, Ghana and United Kingdom. OK OK.. It’s just a bunch of friends who like to play tennis and combined their passion with trying to raise funds for KASSSI and rural children’s education in Jamaica!
The semi-finals stages were particularly interesting as Rafael S, the Pole – (known as Rafa!) came up short against the big hitting six-foot- something, from Ghana, Robbie W. The other semi- final saw Peter Mc of Jamaican extraction taking out another Ghanaian ‘C Willie’ in a close contest. This sat up an intriguing and eagerly awaited contest between contracting styles.. It was the Jamaican using guile and touch, who just fell short against the power and precision of the Ghanaian in a tense three-setter, which needed a tie-breaker to separate them! A spirited effort by the Jamaican who lost the first set 6-0 and disgruntled spectators asking for refunds. However, they were reminded that they had not paid as we were on public parks! Everyone feared the worse as the fat lady moved towards the mike and started to clear her throat! Premature obituaries were been written!
Eventually, a worthy winner in Robbie W who was absolutely elated as he lofted the cup and beamed an infectious grin! Robbie also revealed another side of his character when the third placed play-off between C Willie and Rafa threatened to descend into recrimination and ugliness. Robbie took the diplomatic role of peacemaker akin to Kofi Annan a fellow countryman and former UN Secretary General- “Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called sons of God” (Matthew 5:9). How fitting as the champion is a devout Christian! Congratulations to Robbie W. You have played your part!!
Our commiserations goes out to Obi A, a high ranking player from Nigeria who was unable to continue his group stage match due to an injury to his right elbow. Huge thank you to Mr M Robertson, the Photographer, who gave up his valuable time, and used his equipment in support of KASSSI and rural children’s education. We did not raise a lot of funds on this occasion; however we did raise awareness, stimulated discussions on children’s education in rural Jamaica and had a lot of fun! See Media/Galleries for photos of event.