I remember Andy’s Cup as a smaller-scale pro-level tennis tournament than the 2009 version, which is now held on the beautiful tree canopied grounds of Coral Oaks Tennis Club each spring. A few years back it was hosted by it’s creator, Dr Jules Cadet, in his own Pinecrest backyard…. literally down the street from the tennis club. Using just his single lit tennis court, the tournament he originally benefactored went on forever. So did the festivities, bar-b-que and the sponsors’ hospitality!
Andy’s Cup has evolved into a delightful, highly anticipated annual Pinecrest event, always in April. For the past two years Dr. Jules Cadet (Pinel Medical Center) has hosted this event at Coral Oaks Tennis Club on Red Road. Organized by tournament director, Ralph Martin of GT Sports, Andy’s Cup lures pro and university level players to Miami… and is free to the public… So is the food! Sponsors range from Mercedes Benz, GT Sports, and Pinel Medical Center, to a bevvy of others. Despite the complimentary food… and drinks… (endless bar-b-que with a distinct Haitian flair) the tournament raises a substantial purse for the winning players… with the bulk of the proceeds from Andy’s Cup going to a hospital built by Dr. Jules Cadet and his colleagues in Haiti. Andy’s Cup… affectionately referred to as “Haitian Tennis” after the cause it supports… is a local event that draws benefactors from all over the United States, raising donations to the tune of $80,000.00 last year.
Teams compete in doubles, singles and mixed-doubles. This years’ 2009 tennis players were grouped into 6 teams: Cuba 1, Cuba 2, Haiti, World, USA, and Chile. Teaching pros from Royal Palm Tennis Club, & Deering Bay Tennis Club … along with college players formerly on the University of Miami Tennis Team… a dynamic young tennis player who recently defected from Cuba… tennis stars from Haiti … phenomenal kids from Argentina (one as young as 14 years old!) comprised a diverse international group! If America is a melting pot, Miami wins big for creating the right recipe. A weekend of multi-cultural competition and camaraderie… Andy’s Cup gives us yet another reason to celebrate life in Miami !
