By anguillian
Anguilla’s embryonic sports tourism drive got a much-desired boost when the 2018 Anguilla Cup tournament opened with an exciting pro exhibition match at the Tennis Academy on Sunday, January 14. The two exhibiting players were leading international tennis professionals: Jessie Flores of Naples, Florida, and Xavier Malisse of Belgium.
The Anguilla Cup was originally scheduled for November 2017, but had to be postponed due to Hurricane Irma. The tennis event is the result of a dynamic partnership initiated by the Anguilla Tourist Board with Sports Travel Experts; the International Tennis Federation; the Anguilla Tennis Association; the Anguilla Tennis Academy; and the Department of Sports. The exhibition match was a prelude to the Anguilla Cup Tournament from Monday to Saturday this week. The tournament is part of Sports Travel Experts Caribbean Cup Tennis Series which currently includes Anguilla, Antigua, Barbados, Cayman Islands and Jamaica. The event has attracted a number of players, coaches, tournament officials and guests to Anguilla from all over the world.
The Hon. Parliamentary Secretary, with responsibility for Tourism, Sports, Youth & Culture, Mr. Cardigan Connor, was among the speakers at the Anguilla Cup exhibition match.