By the Caribbean Journal staff

As Richard Branson’s Necker Island and the British Virgin Islands work to recover from Hurricane Irma, the Necker Cup pro-am tennis tournament is being held this week at the Baha Mar resort in the Bahamas.

The six-day, five-night Pro-Am Tennis Event pairs ATP/WTA tour players and legends with amateur teams of all levels. It has historically been held on Branson’s Necker Island, which was hit hard by Irma.

The major focus of the event will be on helping to support the BVI.

“Given the widespread devastation, it was tough to even think about the event; however, Sir Richard Branson and our team feel the Necker Cup presents an incredible opportunity to raise much needed awareness and funding for the hurricane victims,” tournament organizers said in a statement. “The outpouring of support from all our guests, pros and celebs has been outstanding, and we sincerely appreciate your kindness. Many of us have shared some everlasting, life changing memories together over the past five years, and we are excited to create more this year.

Organizers said they had explored several venues before settling on the Baha Mar, the new megaresort that opened on New Providence’s Cable Beach earlier this year.

“The team at this stunning property have been amazing to work with and are going above and beyond to accommodate our Necker family with elite access to the suites at the SLS and the invitation only Reserve rooms, as well as exclusive pools, beaches, casino space, and their very own private island,” the statement read.

It’s a boon for the Baha Mar, which has embarked on a massive marketing campaign aimed at turning the property into a full-fledged destination.

The final night gala and auction will send 100 percent of the money raised to support beneficiaries including Virgin Unite’s efforts to help rebuild the British Virgin Islands.