National juniors benefit from Dr. Ian McDonald’s talk

Dr. Ian McDonald (hand raised) makes a point during his interaction with members of the National Junior Tennis squad yesterday, at the GMR&SC.

The national junior players selected by the Guyana Lawn Tennis Association (GLTA) to prepare for the upcoming preliminary rounds of the World Junior Championships all agreed that the motivating session conducted by Dr. Ian McDonald yesterday at the GMR&SC will serve as useful material to improve their game generally.
McDonald, a former national champion, who represented the West Indies team at the Davis Cup and participated in the Wimbledon Championships and Captained the Cambridge University team was asked by the GLTA to give a talk on the general aspects of the game to the young players.
He opened by stating how pleased he was to be invited to conduct such a discussion with the youngsters, informing them that tennis had played a major role in his life and provided him with numerous opportunities to meet many influential persons and tour many countries.
Dr. McDonald told them that the sport of tennis is a beautiful game and enjoyed great days in this country, adding that he was extremely delighted to see signs of its revival in Guyana.
“I would like to congratulate the new Association in its efforts to re-invigorate the game and any revival must start with the young, so this is a good development,” McDonald said.
He spoke of the great memories he’s had playing the sport, participating in the Brandon Trophy for the Team Championships of the West Indies and playing on the WI team at the Davis Cup.
McDonald, who has a wealth of experience both as a player and a knowledgeable of the sport also shared information on how to be mentally tough as a player, how to react during tense game situations, respect for officials, country, game, opponents, team-mates etc.
A number of the young players also sought to tap into the vast knowledge base of the former national champion asking many questions pertaining to game situations and his responses were well received.
He promised to do follow-up sessions if requested by the Association.
Among those attending the forum were President of the GLTA Christopher Ram, executive members Grace McCalman, Rawle Sue-Ho, Marion Sukra, Duane Lopes and Coach Shelly Daly-Ramdyhan.