First ever LGBT Tennis Open to stage in Las Palmas, Gran Canaria 9th – 11th October 2015.
Dark nights getting you down? Well, it’s still not too late for you to sign up and join some Autumnal sporting fun in the sun.
This October the outdoor clay courts of the Open Gran Canaria Tennis Club, Las Palmas will host the first ever LGBT Tennis Open seen on the Island.
This year’s exciting launch tournament is a pre-event for Gran Canaria to host annual GLTA (Gay and Lesbian Tennis Alliance) Tournaments with all of the associated backing and glitz. GLTA is a global organisation, with some 8 million players and Martina Navratilova as the front figure.
A maximum of 70 men and women of all nationalities will compete in five different categories over the course of three days. The opening ceremony and first rounds take place Friday, 9th October, culminating in the Grand Finals, awarding of trophies and evening dinner event Sunday 11th October.
The event is set to be friendly and welcoming. Places are still available but limited and cost:
1 event: 25 euros
2 events: 35 euros
Dinner party event (open to players and non-players): 20 euros
Event co-organiser Magnus Welin says,
“We know that there is a demand for LGTB tourists visiting the Island to meet and play with other LGTB players. May it be tourists or local residents of Gran Canaria and neighbouring Islands. Therefore not only are we staging this exiting first tournament but we are also founding a LGBT tennis club where tourists and locals can hook up and play at weekends.”
As this is the first LGTB tournament and a new concept that includes both the local LGTB community and tourists of all nationalities our work is receiving good interest. However we’d like to spread the word wider and particularly encourage more Transgender players to take part both in this October’s event and going forward. We are already planning for the 2016 tournament. This will be held at the Maspalomas Tennis Centre Club.’
As part of the launch players will also enjoy a complimentary tour of Gran Canaria to allow them to enjoy the beauty of the Island’s green valleys, mountainous ranges and azure coasts. In addition several gay resorts in Playa del Ingles and Maspalomas are also offering some players four night’s accommodation free of charge, prior to the tournament. With a possibility to meet new friends and relax before the competition starts the LGBT Tennis Open Gran Canaria is the perfect antidote to the Winter Blues.
To find out more and book your place to play visit the LGBT Tennis Open website:http://www.lgtbopengrancanaria.com/
Key Facts:
Venue: Open Gran Canaria Tennis Club, Street Ventura Doreste s / n corner, Jamat, Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, Spain (928 91 75 35) www.opengrancanaria.com
When: The LGBT Open Gran Canaria will be played on 9th, 10th and 11th October. Matches start Friday 9th October. Awards and trophy ceremony scheduled approx. 16.00hrs Sunday 11th October.
Entry deadline: Tuesday, September 30, 2015 11:59 PM (GMT +00: 00). The LGBT Open will consist of five GLTA categories: OPEN, A, B, C and D both in Singles and Doubles, male and female format.
Registration Fees:
1 event: 25 euros
2 events: 35 euros
Dinner party event (open to players and non-players): 20 euros
Court Type: 6 clay courts for OPEN, A, B, C and D categories
Accommodation:
The organisers of the LGBT Tennis Open Gran Canaria have agreed special rates with Hotel Bed & Chic. The hotel is approximately 30 minutes from the Gran Canaria Open Club and is close to the fabulous city beach of Las Canteras:
Hotel Bed & Chic: standard room € 49.00, double standard € 45.50; superior room € 52.50, double superior room € 49.00; € 67.90 Junior Suite, Double Junior Suite € 60.90. Breakfast 10 € / person. www.bedandchic.com
Transport
Public bus line number 47 takes just 30 minutes from the Hotel Bed & Chic to the Gran Canaria Open Club.
by Mark Stanley | @GranCanMan76
