|
|
|
By..Ryan Wolfington and Ernestine Miclat This tournament article may be biased as it is my first and best tournament I have ever done. Melissa Gibson and I have put together a Junior Tournament along side another Adult Open tournament, and this format is awesome. With kids now playing in and watching the open draw, and open players now seeing the amazing talents and attitudes of the young player. And that is what has always stood out to me, not their strokes or form but the spirit in which they play the game. Before I move any further, it must be said that Melissa Gibson's efforts to put this event together , as co director, is what made it possible. It would not have taken place without her daily involvement over the last number of months. To put an event like this together took months and no planning. It was all done intuitively in the moment without a worry or forethought. It just happened one leading at a time and looking back it could not have been planned more perfect. There is an intuitive knowing that shows each of us what we are led to do one moment at a time in life, and if you adhere to this and let the worry's of later .. go, ... then I find that everything takes care of itself, as long as I do what I am doing now with everything I have. One can not realize how much work goes into putting on a regular tournament, let alone a tennis fair like the one we did at BALLY'S. The event had numerous sponsors and "Touches of class." But I can honestly say it was easy and watching Melissa and the many others that were paramount in making it a success, it showed that many individuals can follow what they were led to do, and come together as a team. This team consists of so many and throughout this article they will be mentioned as the tale of this event unfolds. Just this evening
it was Christine and Jose
Miclat and Ernestine that over
and over have stepped up to plate and taken care of numerous tasks,
Jasna and Stojanka Pantic,
also ever present, with Stojanka as the video reporter and player
and Jasna as the site decorator and stylist. She made the trophy
table as beautiful as the trophy.
The trophy came from India just days ago and was custom made for this event. I scoured the internet looking for the right "BALLY'S CUP" and after looking at 15 + company's this company was perfect. Not only was their craftsmanship unbelievable but they sent me the item, over night and billed me later, completely on faith without blinking an eye. I had never even talked to the man. It was all done by e-mail. But his character came through in his words and in the efficiency in which he did business. And that theme is true all throughout this event. The idea was to put together an event that illustrated what I see to be the benefits of tennis and a healthy, honest and principled life.
|
|
And at each turn I have run into persons whom are willing and ready to make a step in this direction, to put this event together in a first class fashion, not only as a symbol of excellent tennis, but as a statement to better living.
Tonight
GALYAN'S
gave away a free $10.00 gift cards to everyone who signs up for a
discount card, and
WILD OATS,
putting together one of the nicest spreads I have ever seen. A salad
bar that was amazing, fresh squeezed juice from
NAKED JUICES,
and
snacks that not only taste great but are good for
you. The bag of Snapea Crisps was a huge hit, tasting just like
Doritos but made from healthy peas. I looked at Doritos tonight and
could not read most of the ingredients. Yet the Snap peas taste just
as good but have only a handful of
ingredients, all of which you know and that are healthy. They are
probably a little more expensive, but when it comes to your health
and feeling good after the meal, why not?
|
Clicking here to be added to the VegasTennis.com e-mail newsletter which informs you of upcoming events, Local tennis news and new features to this site. |
Speaking of WILD OATS AND GALYAN'S, I could not have done a better job myself, and that is saying a lot, as I know I can do a pretty good job. Anyone can do a pretty good job, it is just being willing to make the choice to do it. How often do you know to do something right yet something says "Do it later" , or excuse why not to do it at all. This is doubt and this event had no doubt. When it was right to do something it was done. No corners cut. That is why I came home and wrote this article and posted the scores. That is why Jasna, Kyle Kenyon, Christine and Jose Miclat, the constant Melissa Gibson, and many others , have been following what they were led to do, and in doing so have put together one of the best events of the decade.
|
|
|
Page 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 DRAW PHOTO ALBUM
|
