MANILA, Philippines - The United Tennis Players of the Philippines Foundation (UTPPF) is planning to hold a nationwide monthly tournament in its continuing effort to help develop the sport and produce world-class Filipino netters.
The UTPPF, in cooperation with the Philippine Tennis Association (Philta), sponsored five tournaments last year, dubbed the “Johnny Arcilla Tennis Circuit (JATC),” which featured the top 16 players in the country.
UTPPF president Hatta Dimaporo said Butuan Mayor Democrito Plaza, who hosted the JATC tournament last year, has donated a P200,000 seed money for the UTPPF to provide the proper venue for aspiring Filipino netters, particularly the current national players.
It also gives local coaches the opportunity to attend clinics abroad, including the United States Nick Bolletteri Tennis Academy.
“In addition, those junior players with potential should be given free tennis equipment and training programs to complement with the program of the Philta, which holds six to eight tournaments a year,” said Dimaporo.
For his part, Plaza lauded Dimaporo for initiating the project which would benefit talented Filipino tennis players.
Other backers of the foundation are Daisy Plaza, Butuan Tourism chairperson and Randolph Plaza, Butuan City Sports Council chairman.
Other supporters are Lanao del Norte Gov. Khalid Quibranza Dimaporo, Panglao Nature Resort, Mayor Sultan Fahad Salic, Action for Dynamic Development (ADD) Movement, Babolat, Atin Atin Lang, Al Hussein Construction, D’Partners and Galo Enterprises.