Huge turnout for tennis in West New Britain

BANK South Pacific (BSP) has started phase two of its tennis programme for schools around PNG.
A couple of weeks ago, the program was extended to West New Britain and attracted eight schools from the Hoskins area and around Kimbe town. 
More than 2,000 students and teachers enthusiastically participated over the five-day event from Sept 29 to Oct 3.
A lot of effort was required from BSP Kimbe branch manager Misbil Alfred, and branch training manager Emily Kaliop who was appointed captain of the BSP Tennis Project Committee to oversee the total programme in the province.
With the BSP vehicle fully loaded with tennis equipment, Kaliop and the team visited the various schools on a well-planned schedule which took them initially to Hoskins and then onto the Kimbe circuit.
A mini round robin event was organised between the schools on  Oct 3 followed by a train-the-trainer course.
The competitions were held at Hoskins and Kimbe secondary schools, and the turnout was overwhelming with hundreds of students, parents, teachers and BSP staff all enjoying a fantastic time of tennis.
BSP Kimbe branch also sponsored the two best student players by opening BSP accounts for them.
BSP is pleased to see continued  interest in the tennis programme as it rolls out around the provinces.
Earlier this year, BSP generated a lot of interest in tennis as an ideal sport for children by introducing the BSP Tennis Programme for schools around PNG.
This was achieved by providing funding of K150,000 to the PNG Tennis Association and gathering hands-on local support from the bank’s  35 branches.
The PNG Tennis Association development officers Michael Foo and Lavu Ivuyo have performed an excellent role visiting   schools  that have so far participated in the programme.