fp Turks and Caicos

With most of the North America and Europe sleeping under a heavy blanket of snow, in the Turks and Caicos Islands we are dusting off our sneakers and getting ready for spring.

Most residents are already springing into step, getting fit and ready for a season of sports.

Sports fever kicks off this weekend with the Graceway Sports Center tennis tournament. Singles, doubles and juniors will all be showing off their best swings in the three-day tournament.

Beginning Friday, Feb. 18, a mixed tournament with play including Under 11 years and Under 14 years co-ed singles and doubles, Men’s and Women’s singles and doubles will fill the weekend.

Adults and juniors will play simple elimination (if you lose the first match in singles and doubles, you are out), and every match is to 8 games. In the finals, the best of three sets will win the prize with a super tie break if necessary.

The tournament is open to anyone. Entry fee is $35 for adults, including sangria or wine, and $35 for kids including ice cream. Call 346-7527 to sign up.

Sunday spectators are encouraged to watch the finals and an exhibition island pros doubles match starting at 6 p.m.

Sports fever continues next weekend when the TCI Golf Association and the Provo Golf Club host a Junior Golf Tournament.

Juniors will play in a two-person scramble format with one junior and one adult per team. TCI Juniors tee off at 2 p.m. at Providenciales’ only golf course. The tournament award ceremony will be held following the Bob Graham Classic on March 13. The Bob Graham Classic is held annually as a fundraiser for the National Golf Team.

In the spirit of giving back to the TCI community, the Wine Cellar, along with the help and efforts of many others, is organizing what will henceforth be known as “The Wine Cellar Golf & Fishing Tournament.”

TWC Golf & Fishing Tournament allows families and friends to get together and enjoy a few days of wholesome fun while taking advantage of the islands’ various abundant natural resources — sun and sea.

Proceeds from this inaugural event will be donated to the Edward Gartland Youth Centre and the Provo Hockey League.

The Fishing Tournament will take place March 25-26. The starting point will be the Turtle Cove Marina, and there will be a maximum of four anglers per vessel and a maximum of 40 vessels. Each team will utilize their varying degrees of skill and luck in order to reel in the catch of the day. This event will specialize in species of mahi-mahi, tuna, and wahoo.

There will be cash prizes awarded both days for the heaviest fish caught, as well as overall cash prizes for first, second and third place finishers based on most poundage of fish caught. Twenty percent of overall proceeds from this event and 20 percent of all cash prizes awarded will be donated.

Two days of fishing will be followed by the golf tournament held on Sunday, March 27. For information or registration, call Provo Golf Club at 649-946-5991.

Mark your calendars

• Feb. 18-19: Graceway Sports Center Tennis Tournament
• Feb. 27: Juniors Golf Tournament
• March 13: Bob Graham Classic
• March 25-27: Wine Cellar 1st Annual Golf and Fishing Tournament