ANDY'S CUP, INC
MIAMI, FLORIDA

The mouthwatering smell of barbequed chicken, ribs, sausage and corn permeated the air of the Coral Oaks Tennis Club during the afternoon on April 15. It was no ordinary Sunday, it was the first time that Andy's Cup, a six-year-old tennis tournament, was held at the club, free and open to the community. Six years ago, family practitioner and psychiatrist Dr. Jules Cadet originated Andy's Cup at his Pinecrest home. He did it in honor of his son Andy's birthday and to help people "get to know" Iphton Lewis, a then 15-year-old up-and-coming tennis player from Haiti. "I decided to have a small tournament at my house so we could introduce Iphton to friends, friends who could help Iphton and other tennis players from Haiti train and go to school here," said Cadet. Jean Duret, a Pinecrest accountant, sponsored Iphton. "Iphton is a natural player with good tournament sense," Duret said. Originally from a family of eight in Haiti. Iphton stayed at the Duret's home, where they cultivated his academic and physical talents. He finished high school and went on to Barry University, where lie played number one for the school's tennis team. Iphton carried Barry University to a pair of Sunshine State Conference men's tennis titles and two national runners-up finishes over four years. In four years, he led the team to the national semifinals and national runner-up finishes in 1998 and 1999. As a sophomore in 1997, Iphton led the Buccaneers to their first-ever Sunshine State Conference championship and captured a fourth-place finish at the nationals. With the support of numerous doctors, professionals and residents in the community, more and more Haitian players were brought to Miami. Cadet's tournament grew by leaps and bounds until it simply became too big for his one-court Pinecrest home. He spoke to Coral Oaks owner and tennis director Jeff Allen about the possibility of staging a bigger, community-wide event that would promote young Haitian tennis players, like Jean Mate Bazane, a talented 17-year-old, and Olivier Sajousse, a 20-year-old student at Florida Atlantic University. "We must give back to society that we have been so fortunate to receive," said Cadet. On Friday. April 14, the Association or Haitian Americans hosted a $300-dollar- a-plate gala dinner, which, according to Cadet, was to promote sports, community and various charities, including the Center for Haitian Studies, Another main cause was to raise money for a new hospital in Haiti. "Just like any other ethnic group, the Haitians help each other," said Ralph Martins, owner of GT Sports and promoter and coordinator of Andy's Cup. "Similar to any refugees that come to the United States, they need to help one other get educated, to progress and make a living " Through Cadet's medical practice, tournament supporters such as Care Plus. Humana. United Health Care, Well Care and Pinel Medical Center have become involved. Radio Mega WRHB 1020, Outreach Education Research. GT Sports and Mercedes Benz also provided assistance. "It's all about life, " said Cadet "You do what you can to help people." Cadet feels that the success and growth of Andy’s Cup is due, in a large part, to community activist Ralph Martins. "Ralph Martins is the key to this tournament's success," said Cadet. Selling their handmade jewelry creations are Tanya Cordobes and Amy Beck. In addition to the Haitian contingent, Martins helped grow 'the tournament into a multi-national event that includes former Cuban and South American Davis Cup players. "The Cuban players are like band of brothers," he said. "Like any refugees, they stick together and help each other. I am trying to cultivate players from all over in an effort to break down some of the prejudicial barriers in this community. Someday I hope to have a local American team compete, creating a sort of junior Davis Cup without the cup." Dr. Andrew Salazar of Pinecrest attended the event with his son. Andrew, a member of the Palmetto Middle School tennis team. "We've been watching Andy's Cup for last three years." said Salazar. "It's an unbelievable party that Dr. Cadet throws for his friends. These are the top players; they are no slouches. It's a fantastic, exciting tournament. Dr. Cadet is very welcoming and gracious. He and Ralph Martins both do great things for these players and for the community. Tennis came to halt when the rain came around 3:30 p.m., but there was no fizzle in the festivities. The Barbancourt Rum flowed with the food, fun and laughter, and jewelry, tee-shirts and Haitian art were displayed and sold. Plans for next year are already under way. Andy's Cup is scheduled to again be held at Coral Oaks on April 13, 2008. Come on out for great fun, food and tennis!