LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – The Benguet Tennis Association kicked off its Tennis Tournament, featuring both a competitive tournament and a tennis clinic for aspiring players as part of the Adivay Festival 2024 , on November 9, 2024, at the Benguet Sports Complex.
The first day included exhibition matches, with official games starting the following day. Six teams Green, Black, Gray, Red, Yellow, and Blue are competing, totaling 48 players, including 20 senior players, 17 students, and 11 non-seniors.
Among the participants is an 81-year-old player, Joseph Palacpac, a member of the Benguet Tennis Association. He shared, “You could get the best that tennis could give. Like walking, playing tennis is one of the things that sharpen your mind, sharpen your skills. The teenagers and the young ones will be out of drugs. The young ones will be out of their cellphones. “Aside from the competition, the tennis clinic offers a supportive environment for aspiring players of all ages.
Public Relations Officer Mari Milissa Tamayo also highlighted the importance of tennis: “Sa mga matatanda, it’s their physical and mental health. Sa mga bata, hindi lang nade-develop ang kanilang skill sa paglalaro ng tennis, kundi yung ability to play with each other and ability to compete. Marami kasi sa mga bata dito na nerbyoso. So this tournament is an avenue for them to fight those nerves kapag Provincial Meet and CARAA.”
She also added a message for aspiring players: “Sa simula mahirap tamaan ang bola pero patience and yung will mo to continue and strive for the best. “The tournament takes place every Saturday until December 14, 2024. By Angeline Kafuyao
