Randy Stafford, the grandson of William Ernest Rudolph Joell, has expressed his commitment to keeping his grandfather’s legacy alive.

Stafford, through his company, Stafford Flooring, is behind the return of the WER Joell Memorial, a tournament which was first played in 2008.

It is held in honour of Joell, an activist who led the fight against segregation in local sports. The man behind the formation of Somers Isles Lawn Tennis Association in 1935, died in 1985. In 2003 the tennis stadium was named after him.

This year’s edition, which is taking place at WER Joell Tennis Stadium, started on Monday and concludes on Sunday. Some of the island’s top players, including members of the Davis Cup team, are playing.

“It is with heartfelt pleasure that we re-establish the WER Joell Memorial,” Stafford told The Royal Gazette.

“The first three tournaments were held in 2008, 2009 and 2011. From this point forward, there will be no interruptions, as Stafford Surfaces will proudly sponsor the tournament each year at WER Joell Stadium.

“Although my grandfather was not a champion player like my uncle Allan Simmons, he was a true lover of the game.

“It is my hope that this tournament will inspire individuals and the entire community to continue supporting tennis.”

Wayne Montgomery, Zachary McGuire, Tariq Simons are the Davis Cup players appearing in the revived competition. Adding competitiveness to the men’s section are David Thomas and Jack Keyes, who have also represented the island in international competitions.

Tobiah Goodchild and Chloe McBrearty are some of the island’s rising stars competing against the seniors.

Ricky Mallory, the Bermuda Lawn Tennis Association national tennis director, welcomed the return of the memorial event.

“As a former player and now the national tennis director and Davis Cup coach, this tournament means far more than competition to me,” Mallory said.

“It represents history, sacrifice and progress. It is named in honour of a man who fought tirelessly, year after year, so that Black players could have the simple right to step onto this court and compete.

“Because of his courage and determination, opportunities exist today that were once denied.

It is only right that this tournament carries his name. I urge every participant to pause and reflect on the path he helped pave.

“When you walk onto the court this week, remember that you are not just playing a match, you are standing on the legacy of someone who made it possible.”

Michael Wolfe, the BLTA president, conveyed the association’s gratitude to Stafford for the sponsorship.

“We would like to thank Stafford Services for their support,” Wolfe said.

“We are pleased that this is now the opening adult tournament of the 2026 calendar, and a more worthy tournament could not be imagined.

“When our players step onto these courts, they are playing on ground that was cleared for them by Joell’s courage.

“Adding a personal touch to this year’s renewal is the event's title sponsor, Stafford Services.

“The company's owner, Randy Stafford, is the grandson of WER Joell, creating a direct familial link between the tournament’s benefactor and its namesake.”