LeVaughn Flynn, Staff Reporter
American tennis players Venus (front) and Serena Williams (in glasses), disembark at Norman Manley International Airport, yesterday, as they arrive in the island for a two-day visit. At the top of the stairs is the tennis players' sister, Isha. The Williams sisters are scheduled to attend The Gleaner's Spelling Bee National Championships, this afternoon, at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel. - Norman Grindley/Deputy Chief Photographer
Tennis stars Serena and Venus Williams arrived in the island yesterday at the Norman Manley International Airport for a tightly packed two-day trip.
Often referred to as the Williams sisters, the women held a tennis clinic at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel yesterday.
Over 300 kids from 27 schools participated at the clinic.
Venus says they were "overwhelmed by the reception" they got.
"I'm happy that I'm in Jamaica and thank everyone for welcoming us here. The turnout and reception is really overwhelming," she added.
Reception
United States Grand Slam tennis champions, Serena Williams (second right), and her sister Venus (standing) get acquainted with students from 27 schools in the corporate Area during a tennis clinic at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston yesterday. - Anthony Minott/Freelance Photographer
Both sisters were also given a plaque on behalf of the Pegasus hotel through its tennis manager, Sharon Dolandson, and tennis pro Philbert Palmer.
A reception was held in their honour at the same hotel later in the evening.
The Williams sisters are also scheduled to visit Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller and attend The Gleaner'sChildren's Own Spelling Bee National Finals today, but up to press time last night this could not be confirmed.
A number of media houses were present for the Williams sisters' arrival at the airport but oddly, they were not allowed to speak to the press because "of a tightly packed schedule", according to Clive Fagan, CEO of VMI Limited, the organiser of the visit.
First off the plane
The Williams sisters were first off the plane from the business class and were greeted by Minister of Tourism, Aloun Assamba, and Fagan. Several airport workers stopped to catch snapshots of the women with digital cameras and camera phones.
As the sisters became more visible, the workers could be seen pointing with excitement on their faces.
"I like the way they play tennis," said Meleshia Lawrence as she watched from about 20 feet away.
Another airport worker, Steve Johnson, who tried to get his shot between a throng of cameramen, said he likes them because of what they represent.
"(I'm not really a tennis fan) but I've watched their careers and admire them, along with Tiger Woods, as black people who excel in sports played mostly by whites," said Johnson.
After being presented with bouquets by government officials, the Williams sisters were escorted to the VIP Lounge at the airport where they were allowed to freshen-up.
Fagan and Assamba spoke briefly to the media as the sisters sat between them.
The minister also congratulated Serena on her recent victory in the Australian Open. The sisters were then scurried outside where three SUV's waited for them and their entourage.
Their traveling party includes agent Evan Levy, sisters Lyndrea and Isha, cousin Rachel Alexander and family friend Vale De-Felice. They are scheduled to leave the island tomorrow morning.
