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...Sometimes the little things turn out to be a big deal. Just ask David Bain, the USTA’s director of league tennis in Georgia, about why Rome keeps getting big-time tournaments.
Rome is hosting the Georgia Adult League State Championship tournament this weekend and is assured of getting it again next year.
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This weekend’s tournament, which began Friday and ends Monday, includes men and women rated 2.0, 2.5 and 3.0 — beginner and intermediate levels.
“We brought it here for several reasons — the Coosa Valley Tennis Association does a phenomenal job and does so much for the players,” said Bain. “Last night was the captain’s meeting, and they provided food and door prizes. They just really make us feel welcome.”
Bain said a large draw is also the number
David Bain, USTA director of league tennis in Georgia, said, Romans “just really make us feel welcome.” |
of courts because, he said, at least 60 courts are needed to host the event.
Matches are being played at the Rome-Floyd Tennis Center, Etowah Park, Alto Park, Darlington School, Shorter College, Georgia Highlands College and Model High School.
Kim Leatherwood, tournament chairwoman for the CVTA, said about 900 players came out to the tournament Friday, most of them from out of town.
She said it takes more than 100 volunteers to coordinate the event. “The Rome-Floyd Parks and Rec has been extremely helpful, doing a great job getting everything ready.”
Today’s forecast calls for a mostly sunny sky, but there is a 50 percent chance of rain Sunday, according to the National Weather Service.
Bain said Rome will host the tournament again next year, though it will have to re-bid for 2010 and 2011, and said he is talking with the city about adding additional courts to grow the event.
“The CVTA puts on a big deal for the players, (but) they pay to come and it has a huge economic impact on a city like this,” said Bain, estimating an average of $350 per person. “We look forward to next year with three more hotels on 411 which will really help.”
The tournament goes through Monday, with individual winners going on to the sectional championship in July against the winners in eight other states, said Bain.
“We just appreciate the job everyone does,” he said. “It’s been a great partnership, and we look forward to continuing it in the future.”
