The grieving families of two young men brutally murdered on the streets of Bermuda lent their support at the weekend to the United Nations Peace and Tolerance Day.

The parents of Tekle Mallory, who was stabbed outside of Ice Queen restaurant in Paget two years ago, and the mother of Shaundae Jones, who was shot outside of a nightclub in Dockyard earlier this year, attended the peace day.

The first part of the day was to promote peace and tolerance through sports and over 100 students took part in the Tennis Fun Day.

The event was opened by a troop of Gombeys and the Pembroke Hamilton Club (PHC) majorettes.

The tennis matches throughout the day saw players such as the Governor Sir John Vereker and Lady Vereker, Andrew Phillips, tennis star Sam Maybury, Donna Bradshaw, Puisne Judge Norma Wade-Miller, Kelly Holland, United Bermuda Party leader Grant Gibbons, Larry Smith, Pat Pamplin-Gordon, Minister of Health Nelson Bascome and e-commerce consultant Nigel Hickson, to name a few.

The games were dubbed Crown vs Culture and there was also a game between the UBP and PLP.

However the open mike night was not well attended, though politicians from both sides attended, although no one aired their political views at the peaceful night.

The people that attended played games of chess, listened to the bands and enjoyed the evening.

Sara Fellows represent of the friends of the UN, said the spirit of the day was great although it was a shame that the night was not well attended.

"We had a tremendous tennis day, the children loved it," said Ms Fellows.

"Everyone showed up and the games where great and was a tremendous success, although it wasn't very well attended."

Tennis champ Mr. Maybury said the children that participated will become apart of the Grass Roots Tennis Junior League.

The local tennis star said the aim of the Tennis Fun Day was to encourage students who had never played the game before to come and take part and also to break down the racial barriers in the sport.

"This will feature free court time during holidays and tennis tuition for the participants," said Mr. Maybury.

Premier Jennifer Smith and Col. David Burch attended the opening ceremony and she said that at a time when the world seems to be overwhelmed with violence, conflict and intolerance for others - and Bermuda is caught up in partisan politics - into this mix the Global Arts Entertainment have carved out time for peace.

"One of the things that has most impressed me today is the number of young people that are participating," said the Premier.

"We all know that it is important to involve our young people in positive activities that encourage a recognition and understanding of Bermuda's diverse heritage so that peace and tolerance are embraced at a young age."

The Premier went on to say the Bermuda is culturally diverse - a fusion of many nationalities and races - and we continue to live together in harmony.

"The Global Arts Entertainment Foundation has succeeded in bringing together people from all walks of life to participate in activities that encourage peace and tolerance," said Ms Smith.

"It is of particular note that by focusing on this topic through the artistic impression of the children of Bermuda you are making a lasting impact on the next generation.

"As a supporter of the arts and an even greater supporter of young people, it goes without saying that I fully support this initiative."

Ms Smith then quoted the late US president John F. Kennedy: "Let both sides explore what problems unite us, instead of belabouring those problems which divide us."

Andrew Phillips had said that we wished to celebrate the rich cultural diversity of our Island and share the game of tennis with the entire Bermudian community.

The Peace and Tolerance Tennis Fun Day was held at the Bermuda National Tennis Stadium.