To celebrate USTA’s designation of May as National
Tennis Month and USPTA’s “Tennis Across America Day”, a free Tennis
Block Party is planned for Saturday, May 10th from 10 am to 2 pm
at the McMullen Tennis Complex in Clearwater.
The Suncoast Tennis
Foundation (Pinellas County)
has partnered with the City of Clearwater,
local USPTA District 7 teaching professionals and Advantage Yours Tennis
to provide a day full of tennis racquet and skill games for all ages and
levels. With approximately 300
participants, last year’s event received live television coverage locally and
national attention as one of the most successful events of its kind in the
country.
The event is FREE open to the public. NO registration is required. Kids and adults will find a variety of
activities. The Block Party will
showcase the unparalleled health and social benefits of tennis in a fun and
dynamic way. Some of the highlights for the
kids include the new QuickStart Tennis format that helps kids 10 and
under learn and play the game by utilizing specialized equipment. Now any child between ages five and ten can
start playing tennis almost immediately, even if they have never picked up a
racquet before. For the five and
under group, there will be a Tot Tennis Carnival.
Adults and experienced youth players will have an
opportunity to play in an informal round robin for all skill levels and receive
a NTRP level assessment. Information
will be available on joining the USTA and local leagues and programs for adults
and youths. All participants will
receive prizes.
A highlight will be vendor courts with representatives from Wilson,
Vokl, Babolat, Prince, Dunlop and others providing demo racquets for trial
use. All the vendors will have great
giveaways and Advantage Yours will give a percentage discount to all who make a
purchase at the store as a result of their attending the Block Party.
McMullen Tennis Complex is located at 1000
Edenville Ave., Clearwater, FL
33764; 727-669-1919.
For further information contact Judy Foster, Executive
Director, Suncoast Tennis Foundation, judybfoster@mindspring.com
For further information contact Judy Foster, Executive
Director, Suncoast Tennis Foundation, judybfoster@mindspring.com
High School USTA Jr. Team Tennis Camp:
More Info / Registration Form.
For Elementary School Beginning Players:
Youth Tennis Rallyball/Quickstart
More Info / Registration Form.
With more than 180 players, the 6th Annual Suncoast Tennis Foundation (STF) Tournament of Champions attracted its largest draw in its history. The tournament is an invitation-only event and featured the top tennis players from the six major charity tennis tournaments held in Pinellas County in 2007. To qualify, a player had to finish as a winner, semi-finalist, finalist or consolation winner from those tournaments. The event was held Jan. 18-20 at East Lake Woodlands Country Club in Oldsmar.
The Tournament raised over $9,500 for the Foundation’s grass roots tennis projects. “The money raised helps STF in assisting disadvantaged children and adults who cannot afford equipment and lessons to play tennis,” said Judy Foster, Executive Director of the STF.
“Over the past four years, the Foundation has facilitated distributing over 400 free, refurbished tennis racquets and thousands of use tennis balls to elementary, middle and high school programs, as well as to inner city groups.
“Due to the generosity of Knology, our presenting sponsor, over 85 individuals and companies who made either financial or in-kind donations to the tournament and of course, the players, the proceeds we realize from the Tournament allow the Foundation to continue providing financial assistance so children and adults can participate in a wide variety of tennis programs. Last year we provided transportation for 350 fifth grade kids to two Elementary Fun Days held in North and South county. In addition, STF has formed numerous partnerships with groups such as the Pinellas County Police Athletic League, Big Brothers & Big Sisters, Boys and Girls Clubs of the Suncoast, as well as other charity tennis tournaments.”
Kelly Wilhite, winner of both the women’s 3.5 and the mixed 3.5 stated, “I like the concept of the Tournament of Champions, and especially the fact that you have to qualify to play in it.”
“The Foundation is providing a lot of good tennis in Pinellas. I think the tournament concept is great,“ said Karen Radazzo, who also collected two titles in the women’s 4.5 and mixed 4.5.
Ken Emery, who won the 4.0 mixed and 4.0 men’s titles, compared the competition at the Tournament of Champions with trips to Daytona Beach because of the high level of competition. “Every match in this tournament was a tough match, just like you find when you go to Daytona Beach,” Emery said. “In some of the charity tournaments the matches get tougher towards the end, but this was different because you had the top finishers from other tournament competing. I like the concept.”
Foster explained that the concept of the Tournament of Champions has played a major role in the growth of tennis in Pinellas County. “The other charity tennis tournaments include wording such as ‘This tournament is a qualifier for the Suncoast Tournament of Champions.’ This encourages more people sign up to play in the other tournaments to get a chance at qualifying for the next Tournament of Champions.” In addition, she stated that this special event attracts a large number of spectators who like what they see and then many who either used to play tennis and stopped or those who have never been involved in the sport start playing tennis. Winners, semifinalists, finalists and consolation winners from this event qualify for the 7th Annual STF Tournament of Champions to be held in 2009.
Welcome to OurTennis.net. OurTennis.net is sponsored by the Suncoast Tennis Foundation. The Suncoast Tennis Foundation is a community tennis association and member of USTA Florida and the U.S. Tennis Association. The foundation is committed to developing character, self-esteem and discipline in both youth and adults throughout the sport of tennis.
Its a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization and its goal is to:
Learn More About Suncoast Tennis Foundation!
We continually seeks out volunteers to help fulfill its mission – CAN YOU HELP?
If you are interested in becoming a Foundation volunteer? For more information, Click Here.
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