THE 2009 Jamaica National Building Society (JNBS) Open Amateur Tennis Championship is scheduled to roll off on December 5 at the Liguanea Club in New Kingston.

The week-long tournament, which was launched on December 3, will close off on December 12 with the playing of the semi-finals and finals.

It is expected that over 100 players, both male and female, will be contending for top prizes.

JNBS sales manager Judy Benjamin, while handing over a cheque for an undisclosed amount, emphasised the importance of sports sponsorship to her company.

“Sports sponsorship is an integral part of JN’s commitment to national development and the opportunity to sponsor this championship gives our resolve added drive because we are aware of the value of sports.”

She added: “We’re willing to support events which are geared towards enhancing the development of sports locally, particularly those that focus on assisting our young people to improve their skills and foster their wholesome development. We anticipate that this championship will unearth new talents and highlight the cause of the more seasoned players,” Benjamin stated.

Tournament director Llockett McGregor pointed out that a professional leg will also take place at the same venue, starting December 10, and hopes through sponsorship it will become a fixture on the local tennis calender.

“What is interesting about this tournament is that for the third time this year we were able to reintroduce the professional leg of tennis here in Jamaica. We hope through sponsors such as Jamaica National we will be able to continue to bring back tennis to what it was.” He said.

Also in attendance at the launch was general manager of the Liguanea Club, Gordon Edwards, as well as second and third vice-presidents of Tennis Jamaica, Desmond Thomas and Oswad Morgan.