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The McDaniel’s Tennis Tournament by PBO, played from Thursday, March 9th through Sunday, 12th, was an excellent source of friendly competition supporting a great cause. Many Casa de Campo community members came out to support the McDaniel Tennis Program’s initiatives and witness the close matches between this year’s finalists.
Celebrating its 18th anniversary this year, the McDaniel Tennis Program has been sponsoring the education of Casa de Campo’s ball boys and the players’ health insurance through their annual fundraising tournament, which has successfully achieved its goal year after year. Although last year marked the last full-time involvement of Mr. Rick McDaniel in the tournament, the PBO has agreed to support the McDaniel Committee Members in organizing the tournament’s implementation. This transition allows the tournament to continue its core programs to benefit the ball boys and players.
The final was played on Sunday, March 12th at La Romana Country Club, with fans sitting in the stands with a perfect view of the central court, cheering on their favorite players. This year, the match was between Francisco Concepcion and Nando Botello, playing against Edwin Guerrero and Jordany Castillo, resulting in the latter pair as the winners.
The awards ceremony followed the tournament, bringing the sponsors, players, ball boys, and their families together at the La Romana Country Club pool area. This year, Mr. McDaniel could not attend the event since he had a previous commitment to take care of in the States. However, Committee member Karen Adams thanked everyone once again for their continued support throughout the years. “Even though we started the transition to PBO to run this tournament last year, the tournament will continue to be the McDaniel Tennis Tournament, honoring the man that for years has put his heart and soul into this program.”
Whether they won or not, every single participant in the tournament was awarded prize money, and the runner-ups and winners also received trophies handed to them by Mr. Juan Veláquez, Costasur’s Vice President & Administrator, and Raul Cendoya, La Romana Country Club’s Manager. During the ceremony, the McDaniel Tennis committee presented Marty Chattman, a community member, and an avid supporter of the program, with this year’s honorary chairman plaque, thanking him for all his help throughout the years. While the players presented Mrs. Idarmis Cucurullo de Velázquez with a plaque for her continued support.
Congratulations to the winners, players, sponsors, and supporters for another successful and wonderful McDaniel Tennis Tournament 2023! A big thank you to everyone for your generous support! Remember, it’s never too late to donate!
The following collection of images by Mairobi Herrera was taken during the finals of the 18th annual McDaniel Tennis Tournament by PBO in Casa de Campo.
