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To Decatur County Citizens,

Two weekends ago the Bainbridge Tennis Association hosted the State Combo Doubles Tennis Tournament.  Two Hundred and fifty players descended on our city Thursday night for a packed weekend of play, food and fun.  We did not disappoint them.

As the past tournament director since our 1st state tournament in 1998, it was time to pass the torch but who in their right mind would take on this thankless, time consuming endeavor. 

In walks Tabitha Spooner, Flint River League Coordinator and VP of USTA Georgia, who made the mistake of asking how she could help? For over a full year, Tabitha has worked with Crystal Hines, Community Affairs Director and Director for Convention and Visitors Bureau, who worked on hotel blocks as well as the magnificent player party held at Bainbridge Country Club.  Leslie Harrell headed the captains’ packet pick up and LeAnn Heard made sure the grounds at BCC were in tip top shape for the players’ party. Allison Barber headed up the decoration committee working with the great staff at the Country Club.

Tim Thompson, Tennis Director for Bainbridge Decatur County Recreation Authority(BDCRA) worked closely with Al Kelley, Director for BDCRA, to ensure the nets, score markers, wind screens, squeegees, lights, benches and overall landscape manicuring was handled well before our guests arrived.

Lori Shiver coordinated the lunches for the volunteers and staff.  Craves, Isaac’s and JLO did a wonderful job keeping our volunteers happy because of the food served.

The weather cooperated, the teams loved our hospitality and our restaurants and stores benefitted from our out of town guests.  I’m sure lots of gas was pumped, our fast food establishments kept our players satisfied and our hotels were busting at the seams.

Bainbridge had several teams in the tournament because of the hard work of our local combo coordinator, April Powell.  Also, Amy Thomas, Bainbridge High School Tennis Coach and math teacher, had her tennis players and Interact Club members volunteer at the two sights to assist the site coordinator with errands, questions and general hospitality.  The students’ involvement was a great addition to the tournament.

Over 40 door prizes were given at the Friday night players’ party from local and out of town establishments:

The following were sponsors at many different levels:  SEE ATTACHMENT and please include.

As the grand prize, Tops’l Tennis Resort in Destin gave the tournament a two night weekend stay for one lucky participant.  This was a huge asset to the tournament and helped to build excitement until that final ticket was drawn. 

By this point you can tell how proud I am of   the new tournament director, her staff of volunteers as well as how well the City, County and BDCRA work together to make Bainbridge shine.  Thank you to all for a wonderful tournament weekend. 

I am proud to say I’m from Bainbridge,   a small South Georgia town who pulls together to make things happen for their community and citizens.

Carole Floyd