NATCHEZ — This weekend tennis players from throughout Mississippi and Louisiana will be competing for an important cause.

The Natchez Community Tennis Association will host its 29th annual Cancer Tennis Tournament June 6-8 at Duncan Park, Beau Pré Country Club and Trinity School.

Suzan Chauvin Hogue, who is a tournament chairman, said she are expecting between 100 and 140 participants, with a large number of players coming from out of town.

“We have a really big group from Lafayette, La.,” Hogue said. “We’ve always had a good draw from Lafayette, as well as people from Baton Rouge and Jackson. We used to have a big draw from Memphis and New Orleans as well.”

Hogue said half of the money raised will be donated to the American Cancer Society, with the money earmarked for the Camp Rainbow children’s camp. They decided to donate to Camp Rainbow because it’s in Mississippi and they wanted to donate to a specific cause.

The other half of the contributions will be donated to help improve the local parks and area youth programs.

Noreen Pyron, also a tournament chairman, said the tournament used to raise around $20,000, but has averaged around $6,000 the last few years.

As for the tournament itself, if you’d like to participate, entries are due by noon Wednesday.

The tournament is open for anyone from age 18 to “whoever can stand the heat,” as Hogue put it, and will only be comprised doubles matches — men’s, women’s and mixed.

About camp rainbow

Camp Rainbow takes place at the Henry S. Jacobs Camp in Utica beginning today.

The camp will run through Saturday for children who either have cancer or have been diagnosed with cancer during their lifetime and are between 6 and 17.

At the camp, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, the children will be able to swim, canoe and bike, as well as participate in field day, a ropes course and arts and crafts.

According to Debbie Thomas, who is the health initiative and project manager for the American Cancer Society, said the camp is expecting 110 participants this year.

Normally the camp would cost $500 per child, but because of the contributions of various organizations and individuals, the children are able to attend the 5-day camp free of charge.