Organizers Promote 3rd Annual Bjorn Munroe Tennis Tournament

FREEPORT, Grand Bahama, March 10, 2020 — The Bjorn Munroe Tennis Tournament will return to Grand Bahama this summer for a third consecutive year, and organizers are expecting to triple the number of participating athletes. During a press conference on March 8, event organizers announced plans for the tournament and declared this year’s competition would be their best yet.

Slated for June 4-7 at the YMCA, the Bjorn Munroe Tennis Tournament is an all-ages meet with singles, doubles, and open divisions.

“Last year we had a good turn-out. We had kids from Turks & Caicos, the U.S. and Nassau. This year, it looks like it will be at least doubled or tripled,” tournament director Bjorn Munroe said.

He noted that the recently formed Mark Knowles Tennis Academy in Nassau has made a commitment to bring its athletes over for the event. Munroe said the fast-growing academy has over 20 athletes, which bodes well for participation numbers in the junior divisions of the tournament.

Additionally, the open division will include a cash prize, which organizers believe will attract an increased number of adult athletes.

“This is an element we didn’t have before, so it will bring out some bigger hitters, local big hitters from all over the island and Nassau also,” Munroe said. “I have about seven to eight commitments already for that division; so, I’m looking forward to that.”

The Bjorn Munroe Tennis Tournament is a Universal Tennis Rating (UTR)-approved tournament, which means participating athletes will have a chance to boost their overall UTR ranking. As the UTR is a globally recognized ranking system, Munroe said this tournament is especially beneficial for professional athletes and young players hoping to compete at the college level.

This year’s tournament has several major sponsors, including The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and Aviation (BMOTA), Office of the Prime Minister, Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, Pelican Bay Hotel and City of Freeport Council.

Nuvolari Chotoosingh, BMOTA manager for niche markets on Grand Bahama, cited the tournament’s benefits for young athletes as a major reason the ministry has partnered with Munroe since the event’s inception.

“The UTR ranking is very, very important for those young tennis players who want to move up the rankings chart,” Chotoosingh said. “We’re looking forward to having youngsters from overseas come to Grand Bahama Island once again to compete, not just out of the Florida area but also out of Nassau and throughout The Bahamas. We anticipate them visiting our island to play tennis, but also to enjoy the weather, tours and everything we have to offer on Grand Bahama.”

In his remarks at the press conference, Kendal Culmer, City of Freeport chief councilor, said he was motivated to partner with the tournament committee after learning about the opportunities for young Bahamians to hone their skills and represent The Bahamas on an international level through tennis.

“Last year, I was invited to the cocktail reception and after hearing Mr. Munroe and what is going on with this tournament, I figured that we need to be a part of this so we can help give our Bahamian athletes more exposure,” Culmer said. “This exposure is going to allow them better access to college, and every child needs that avenue to better themselves.”

Athletes interested in registering for the 3rd Annual Bjorn Munroe Tennis Tournament must do so by June 1. For additional information about the tournament, including entry fees and mandatory UTR sign-up, visit http://www.bmchampionships.com.

Media Contact

Anya A. Hanna

Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation

1-242-350-8600 ahanna@bahamas.com