First Lady Cecile de Jongh was pleased to join the Junior Philanthropists of St. Thomas, a subgroup of the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands, in congratulating all participants of the Youth 4 Youth Junior Tennis Tournament, played over Martin Luther King weekend at the St. Thomas Yacht Club courts. The tournament was sanctioned by the Virgin Islands Tennis Association.

First Lady Cecile de Jongh participates in the awards ceremony for the Boys and Girls 8 and under categories at the Youth 4 Youth Junior Tennis Tournament over MLK weekend at the St. Thomas Yacht Club courts, January 15, 2012.

“Organized by youth to benefit youth, this charitable event brought students from St. Croix, St. Thomas and St. John to join in sports competition, while also raising money towards educational projects for youth, a truly inspiring initiative,” the first lady said.

View a slideshow from this event

The event was the brainchild of Nicholas Midler, 13, President of the Junior Philanthropists of St. Thomas and a student at Antilles School. Sixty-four registrants signed up to participate in the 2012 junior tournament, which invited youth from ages 7-18 Territory-wide to compete for medals and trophies. 

At the heart of the philanthropic initiative lies a shared community vision to empower youth to be their best, in the classroom, in the sporting arena, and as part of a healthy lifestyle. “It was a great time. We raised money for a great cause and having been inspired by the first lady’s Tennis in the Parks and Schools program, we now look forward to giving back to the community, especially to children in need and towards youth projects in our community,” Mr. Midler said. 

First Lady Cecile de Jongh congratulates the Boys 8 and under First Place winner Gabriel Louis (far right) and Second Place winner Eion Roberts (far left) at the Youth 4 Youth Junior Tennis Tournament on St. Thomas, January 15, 2012

Quick Start tennis equipment was provided for younger players, including a short court, and larger/low compression tennis balls – equipment that the first lady has provided to the public schools in both districts, for free, through her TIPS initiative. Tennis instruction is also now part of the school curriculum at all public elementary schools throughout the Virgin Islands, thanks to the TIPS initiative, as launched in March 2008.

“In working with the schools and community organizations such as Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands, the Junior Philanthropists of St. Thomas and other public and private sector partners, we continue building widespread interest in the sport throughout the Territory. We hope to continue the momentum and build on the popularity of the sport in the years to come. With more special projects in the works, such as resurfacing older courts and building new ones, there is a lot to be excited about,” the first lady said.

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

Zara Shapiro participates in the Girls 8 and under match at the Youth 4 Youth Junior Tennis Tournament on St. Thomas, January 15, 2012.

Winners include, for the following categories:

• Boys 8 and under: Gabriel Louis (1st place), Eion Roberts (runner up)
• Girls 8 and under: Alexandra Midler, (1st place), Zara Shapiro (runner up)
• Boys 10 and under: Kevin Hughes II (1st place), Xavier Richardson (runner up)
• Girls 10 and under: Chloe Coffindaffer (1st place), Alexandra Midler (runner up)
• Boys 12 and under: Aaron Potts (1st place), Jaydon Jacobs (runner up)
• Girls 12 and under: Macay Wardius (1st place), Julia August (runner up)
• Boys 14 and under: Wilbur Williams (1st place), Daniel Knot (runner up)
• No girls 14 and under
• Boys 16 and under: Leonardo King (1st place), Wilbur Williams (runner up)
• Girls 16 and under: Cassandra Knot (1st place), Sophie Bartlet (runner up)
• Boys 18 and under: Nkosi Jones (1st place), Nicholas Gartner (runner up)
• Girls 18 and under: Mariah Wardius (1st place), Cajay Jacobs (runner up)

The First Lady extended special thanks to the sponsors of the event “for helping make this possible, and for opening doors for children.” Major sponsors included: FirstBank, Standard Pacific Capital Holdings LLLP, Caribbean Education Initiative and Tim Duncan, Seaborne Airlines, Viking Corporation, and Jamz 105. 

“There is now a wonderful network in place in the Virgin Islands, committed to growing and improving tennis programs, infrastructure and advocacy efforts throughout the community. I am pleased to be part of this group, bringing tennis to so many children’s lives, a sport that builds confidence, strength and athletic ability.” 

The Junior Philanthropists of St. Thomas 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. Members are committed to identifying specific educational needs in the Virgin Islands community and working to raise funds through special events and projects. All contributions to the Junior Philanthropists Fund are tax-deductible and go directly toward worthwhile educational programs for youth.