To the Editor:

I have been following the discussion through The St. Ignace News on repairing or replacing the city tennis courts. As a parent of two young children who both play competitive junior tennis, I cannot encourage you enough to replace your current city courts.

Tennis is a sport which can be played for a lifetime as an individual, team, or a family. It is a game that helps you keep in shape, improves flexibility, develop mental focus, as well as become more creative and assertive. Statistics have shown that young junior players develop a higher degree of confidence, honesty, self control, and have a stronger work ethic, not to mention that they achieve a higher grade point average than many other young athletes. Even if you don't play competitively, it is an inexpensive sport which requires a racquet and a can of balls. You need very little skill to go hit a tennis ball around. St. Ignace could surely use the

replacing of these tennis courts as an added "benefit" to the thousands of tourists who visit the Straits annually. Advertise through the local hotels/motels or even conduct a small tournament annually. Develop a summer youth tennis league and you now have the potential to teach your young community members to become more honest, confident citizens. Personally, I don't see where investing the same amount of money in the local swimming pool or community skate park would reap the same benefits.

Having been a member of your community for many years, and now as we come back for visits, I encourage you to invest in your community where you would reap the most benefits. The young and old alike can play tennis on these courts for many years to come as they develop and maintain relationships, friendships, and become better citizens in and around your community.

Nonnie Struble

Holt