History

1930's

Birth of Road Tennis

Originating as a community sport, Road Tennis becomes popular in Barbadian neighborhoods. It's a creative adaptation of lawn and table tennis, using affordable and accessible equipment. Playing on Roads: True to its name, games are traditionally played on roads, momentarily paused for passing traffic.

1930's

1975

Formalizing the Sport

The Barbados Road Tennis Association (BRTA) is established. It brings standardization to the game with formal rules and equipment guidelines.

1975

1976

First Major Tournament

Barbados celebrates its Independence Day with the first island-wide Road Tennis Tournament, marking a significant milestone in the sport's history.

1976

2002

Global Reach

The World Road Tennis Federation (WRTF) is formed, promoting Road Tennis worldwide. Workshops, coaching programs, and international tournaments are organized.

2002

2000s - Present

Expansion

Countries including Canada, China, England, Jamaica, and more embrace Road Tennis. The sport gains further interest from Argentina, Brazil, South Africa, and other nations.

Socio-Economic Impact: Recognized for its community-building value, Road Tennis is used in various programs worldwide. In London, it engages youth, while in St. Lucia, it provides relief during COVID-19 quarantines.

Towards the Olympics: With its rising popularity and wide appeal, there's a vision for Road Tennis to become an Olympic sport in the future.

2000s - Present