30 September 2011 / Categories: World-wide IC News, 2011 Uruguay 30th Anniversary THE INTERNATIONAL LAWN TENNIS CLUB OF URUGUAY THIRTIETH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION This year our IC celebrates its 30th Anniversary, and we would like to mark the occasion with a friendly competition where we could be joined by members of other ICs in early March of 2012, when those ICs in the Northern Hemisphere are looking forward to escape the grip of winter, while here the sun is shining and the beaches beckon. We are proposing a tournament at Punta del Este with people arriving on Thursday March 8 and four days of tennis on the 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th,, with departure for those who would not wish to lengthen their stay on March 13. Participants could take advantage of their trip to also laze on the beaches, play at the casino, indulge in golf, visit one of our colourful ranches, go north to colonial fortresses, or take advantage of a number of other attractions our country has to offer. Indeed, they could also go on to Argentina, Brazil or Paraguay to see more of near-by South America while in the area. We suggest a doubles tournament for men of age +50, +60 and +70, with teams of two players one of which one would be captain. In other words, there would be a competition for each of the three age categories, and ICs would be free to enter one, two or all three of them, at their choice. In case of injury, we would provide a replacement from our own IC. We foresee having a maximum of five teams from abroad for each of the three categories. Together with our own teams that would bring the total number of teams in each category to six. That would allow for an initial series of round robins for each of three teams over the first three days of play, in each different category. On March 12th the winners of each round-robin would play a final, the two seconds would play for third and fourth place, and the two thirds would play for 5th and 6th place. In this way, every team would play three matches during their stay. There would be trophies for winners and runners-up, the ‘Uruguay IC 30th Anniversary Cup’. If enough +40s let us hear of their interest in participating, we will add this age category in the same conditions as shown above. The program would be as follows: March 8th - Arrival at Carrasco Airport, Montevideo (one of our members would receive you and put you on the excellent bus service to Punta del Este, at an individual cost of around US$10 for the fare) . Inter-continental flights arrive early in the day, so there would be good time to settle into the Barradas Palace Hotel which has served us most successfully in the past and to take part in a captains’ meeting at 6:30 p.m. and a welcoming cocktail at 7:30 p.m. March 9th – 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tennis matches at the Médano Tennis Club. 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m Luncheon at the Club. 2:30 p.m.Tennis matches continued. Return to the hotel (we will provide transportation between the hotel and the Tennis Club) and free evening to explore Punta del Este. March 10th – Tennis matches and luncheon at the Médano Tennis Club as on the day before. Around 5 p.m. tourist tour of Punta del Este and surroundings. March 11th – Tennis matches and luncheon at the Médano Tennis Club as on the day before, concluding the round robin stage. Free evening to enjoy Punta del Este’s night life. March 12th – Tennis matches and luncheon at the Médano Tennis Club, as before, and presentation of trophies. 7:30 p.m. farewell dinner at the home of one of our members in Punta del Este. March 13th – Departure and bus trip to Montevideo direct to Carrasco International Airport. For those who would like to stay on, we can arrange accommodation at the Barradas Palace Hotel. We have set the registration fee for the stay of five nights, as follows: - Single occupancy at the hotel US$ 990 per person. Double occupancy at the hotel US$535 per person. These figures also apply to accompanying persons, who will be most welcome. Anyone interested should email Henk Nijeboer at henknijeboer@btopenworld.com soonest and in any case no later than 15th October Print 3755