Tennis expecting resumption in two weeks
Published:Monday | May 31, 2021 | 12:13 AMLivingston Scott/Gleaner Writer
Tennis Jamaica (TJ) President John Azar says approval for the sport’s resumption could happen within two weeks.
Azar says it has been what he describes as a painstakingly slow and frustrating process seeking consent from the Government. However, he is happy that correspondence from the authorities say that the TJ’s ‘Return To Play’ protocol has satisfied requirements.
“It has been a frustrating time for us at Tennis Jamaica, like it has been for all other sporting associations, and we are understanding of the situation,” Azar told The Gleaner.
“But we have been advised in the last couple of days that our Return To Tennis document that we have submitted has been approved.”
“We are awaiting the actual signed document, but we have been advised that it is on the verge, and, as such, we are awaiting the formal communication from the respective ministries.
“I am hoping to receive it within the next week or two, based on what I have been told. If it happens [approval within two weeks], then persons can definitely look to Tennis Jamaica hosting a number of events immediately thereafter.
CONFIDENT
“But from the dialogue, which has been going on for over a year, I would say that I am confident that we will be able to make that announcement in the days ahead.”
Azar said that TJ has tried to convince the Government that as a non-contact sport, tennis was one of the safest activities, and he and stakeholders are pleased to see the approval being granted to the sport.
“Obviously, I am very happy to have been advised that we are close to returning, and I am very happy that it is not too far away,” he said.
The association has used the inactive period to complete online certification courses for coaches and officials.