Efforts to bring professional tennis back to Bermuda have gained momentum with support from the Government.

On Thursday, Owen Darrell, the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport, and Kimberly Charryse Bean, the director of the Department of Youth, Sport and Recreation, met with Bermuda Lawn Tennis Association leaders and representatives of Same Group, the organisers of the Bermuda Tennis Championships, to be held in March.

The Association of Tennis Professionals Challenger Tour event, scheduled for March 23 to 30, will bring professional tennis players to the island to compete for points to boost their world rankings.

Zoe Mulholland, the tournament manager, who attended the meeting with Same Group director Greg Chambaz, expressed enthusiasm about the outcome.

“The Government has pledged its support in a variety of areas and is encouraged that schoolchildren will benefit from free entry for the daytime sessions from Tuesday to Friday,” Mulholland said.

“The tournament’s mandate includes a charitable component that will see monies go towards youth tennis development as well as other charities in the community.”

The return of professional tennis to Bermuda has also created exciting opportunities for local artists.

“The tournament recently implemented a competition for interested local artisans to submit proposals to design the tournament’s trophy collection,” Mulholland added.

“Those wishing to submit proposals can request the scope of the project document by e-mailing info@samegroup.bm. The deadline for submissions is December 24.”