Earlier today, First Lady Cecile de Jongh praised members of the Junior Philanthropists of St. Thomas, a subgroup of the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands, who announced they will hold a youth tennis tournament for their peers in January 2012 as part of an effort to attract funding for educational projects in the schools.

First Lady Cecile de Jongh is joined by Junior Philanthopists Nicholas Midler, B.J. Lynch and tennis enthusiast Monica Midler at the St. Thomas Yacht Club courts, December 6, 2011.

The first-ever Youth 4 Youth Junior Tennis Tournament for youngsters between the ages of 10 and 18 will take place between January 14-16, during the Martin Luther King holiday weekend, at the St. Thomas Yacht Club. The tournament is sanctioned by the Virgin Islands Tennis Association.

“The students who took the initiative to organize this tournament have come up with an incredibly creative way to give back to the community by turning ideas into action,” the first lady said.

The first lady has championed the Tennis in the Parks and Schools (TIPS) initiative to promote youth tennis through school and park programs throughout the Virgin Islands. Expressing her delight at the entrepreneurial spirit of the Junior Philanthropists, she also noted, “The largely youth-driven event is a wonderful example of sports competition with a community benefit in mind. The efforts of these students is both inspiring and deserving of our praise."

She continued, “Tennis, like all sports, increases self-confidence, challenges one to reach his or her goals, and is a natural conduit for positive programs that benefit society at large. Through the Tennis in the Parks and Schools initiative and events like this one, we are expanding opportunities for youth tennis in the Territory and reminding residents of recreational outlets available for youth. When you consider that funds raised towards this event will be then put back into the community’s schools for youth projects, it’s a win-win for all.”

The Junior Philanthropists have been working to attract sponsors and funding for youth educational projects in the schools. The January tennis tournament is the group’s first-such project, coordinating with the public and private sectors towards a greater community benefit.

“The Youth 4 Youth Tennis Tournament is an event enabling young people to work together towards a goal that benefits the larger community,” said Nicholas Midler, President and Founding Member of the Junior Philanthropists. “The support and attention we are receiving is very exciting, and will help make this a great event. We look forward to continuing the momentum and kicking off a great tournament in January.”

With an impressive group of volunteer tennis professionals and organizers, the three-day tournament will welcome youngsters with all levels of tennis experience. The tournament will also offer a modified category for youth under ten years utilizing Quick Start, a US Tennis Association format for early players that offers a shortened tennis court and low-pressure balls.

“It’s going to be a really fun event – and if you register early – you are eligible to be entered into a drawing for a free tennis lesson!” said Junior Philanthropist member Berisford (B.J.) Lynch. Interested players can register on-line or get forms from tennis program instructors throughout the Territory.

Various tennis professionals and volunteers are providing key support and giving of their time towards the January tournament, including: Dave Giza, George Lewis, Mike Van Buskirk, Patrice Harley, Stedman Anthony, Norwell Smith, Sharon Flamon and others.

The Junior Philanthropists of St. Thomas was founded by Nicholas Midler of Antilles School. The group is a registered not-for-profit organization in partnership with the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands and is comprised of approximately 14 youth between the ages of 11 and 14 and is quickly growing. Members are committed to identifying specific educational needs in the USVI community and working to raise funds through special events and projects. All contributions to the Junior Philanthropists Fund are tax- deductible and will go directly toward worthwhile educational programs for youth.

To register and for more information, visit www.y4ytennis.com or email event organizers at give4tennis@gmail.com.