The fifth annual FirstCaribbean International Bank BVI Tennis Championships will take place from December 7th-12th, 2009, at the Tortola Sports Club (TSC). The final BVI tennis tournament of this year is open to all levels of tennis players ages 7 and up in the BVI.

The week long event seeks to promote the game of tennis throughout the community by encouraging all tennis players to participate in the Championships. The divisions include Junior Singles for youths ages 7 - 14, Ladies Open Singles, Mens Open Singles, and Mixed Doubles. Players will be seeded according to their standard level.

"The Championships have always delivered competitive, sporting fun," said Ken Dawson, transactional banking manager, FirstCaribbean International Bank. "As a community bank, we are pleased to be involved with a growing sport that is accessible to all and that encourages a healthy lifestyle and general well being. We are particularly pleased to support an event that includes not just adults but the Territory's youth as well."

Tim Robson, the TSC tennis coach, has been working with students from schools throughout the BVI as part of a government-backed Lawn Tennis Association initiative. The programme has been in place for two years and Robson hopes to see a reasonable turn out of children.

"We had twelve payers in the Junior Division last year," said Robson. "It was the first year that the FirstCaribbean International Bank BVI Tennis Championships included this age group and it was the first tournament these children had ever participated in.

"Parents should sign up their children with some tennis experience to play in this event. It's fun, it's free and it's a good introduction to other local and regional tennis circuits that juniors can compete in. All levels of players in the adult divisions also enjoy the challenging matches."

This year, the TSC and FirstCaribbean have teamed up to attract supporters to attend the Championships.

"The sports club venue with its balconies overlooking the courts, a cash bar and relaxed atmosphere make it perfect for everyone," said Mark Chapman, president of the Tortola Sports Club. "We've added to this by offering a $5 dinner special as well as a free prize draw for each night of the tournament. From Monday to Wednesday the daily draw winner can choose a session with one of our professional coaches for tennis, squash or personal fitness. On Thursday and Friday the lucky winner will receive a gift bag from FirstCaribbean."

Entry and registration forms are available at the Tortola Sports Club and FirstCaribbean International Bank in Tortola and Virgin Gorda. Entry forms should be dropped off at the Tortola Sports Club for the attention of Tim Robson by Monday, November 30th. The entry fee for adult divisions is $20 or $30 if entering two divisions. There is no entry fee for the Junior division.

Further information and entry forms for the event can also be obtained by contacting Mark Chapman at tsportsclub@surfbvi.com.