The Elbow Beach Tennis Facility is set to launch a “fun-filled” health initiative for the island’s seniors.

During a press conference at the South Shore facility yesterday, David Lambert, the director of tennis at Elbow Beach, announced The Bermuda Treasures – Free Tennis Programme, partly sponsored by the Ministry of Social Development and Sport and Age Concern.

“The Elbow Beach Tennis facility has routinely hosted events for royal families, movie stars, professional tennis players, government officials and various celebrities,” Lambert said. “We now look forward to hosting a programme for our citizens who are 65 years old or older.

“Several of Bermuda’s top coaches will be playing with and coaching our participants of all levels. These coaches are donating their time so we are very much appreciative of what they are doing.

“Stretching exercises, hand/eye co-ordination drills, reflex drills along with rallying with various balls, ie: red balls/spinners will be included in this fun event.

“For advanced participants we will have professionals available for match play short and full court.”

The free event will be held from 10am till 10.45am on November 22 and 29 and again December 6 and 13 with rackets and balls to be provided.

“This event is fully sponsored meaning anyone who needs a tennis racket, we can provide a racket,” Mr Lambert said. “The balls are free, court time is free and if you want to hang around after and have some fun, that’s free.

“It’s not going to be a quiet event as we are going to have music playing.

“They (participants) are going to come out, have some fun, get some exercise and when they leave, thanks to our sponsors, they are going to leave with a little gift bag with our generous sponsor’s water, soft drinks, along with fresh fruit.

Zane DeSilva, the Minister of Social Development and Sport, thanked all of those who collaborated to bring the health initiative into fruition.

“I think it’s a fantastic idea for our seniors because we do encourage our youth all the time to make sure they participate in some kind of activity because we know we have some serious health concerns in Bermuda,” Mr DeSilva said. “It’s great to see David and the sponsors looking to keep our seniors active and I really do look forward to coming down and watching some of the seniors play.”

Dr Claudette Fleming, executive director of Age Concern, added: “I want to congratulate Mr Lambert and the Elbow Beach for recognising the message that is going out concerning healthy ageing and not just sitting back and listening to it but determining ways the Elbow Beach can actually make a contribution in that healthy ageing process. We can’t do everything and so we appreciate when the community looks at the work we do and considers how we can make a difference.”

Also attending the press conference was Paul Spring on behalf of title sponsor Gatorade.

“This gives us a good opportunity to align ourselves with such a great cause and give back,” Spring said.

Butterfield & Vallis, the remaining sponsors of the event, were not represented at the press conference.

To register, contact Age Concern at 238-7525 or e-mail them at clientservices@ageconcern.bm.