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 Tennis Across AmericaTM
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Poster
The 19th annual USPTA Tennis Across America will be celebrated on May 10, 2008. Just like in previous years, Tennis Across America events can be held at any time of the year as long as the event is registered before the July 1 deadline. USPTA is continuing the tradition of emphasizing the multicultural segment of Tennis Across America as a means of increasing tennis participation at the grassroots level in 2008.
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For the upcoming year, USPTA wants to continue the trend of having at least one multicultural event in all 50 states. In 2004 we met this goal; however, in 2005 we fell a little short by only holding at least one multicultural event in 47 states, 44 states in 2006 and in 2007 we had 46 states participate. We want to repeat our goal of holding at least one multicultural clinic in every state across America in 2008. Reaching this goal every year will help sustain an interest in multicultural clinics. Help promote tennis in your community by running a Tennis Across America event or donate just one hour to help with a multicultural clinic in your area.
Established in 1990, Tennis Across AmericaTM is the original, free, grassroots lesson program. Its goal is to introduce the game to children and adults who have not experienced it. However, free clinics are not restricted to new players, but may be open to former players or even current players who want to jump-start their spring activity. Others may target people who would not have an opportunity to play except through a special event arranged by a USPTA Professional.
Add a little excitement to your events by doing something different. For example, plan a Little Tennis clinic and invite parents and children to participate or stage a Cardio Tennis demonstration to introduce fitness to your members who are aerobic enthusiasts. Other events could focus on junior players as well as your adult players. Why not try and go a step further and have your members bring a guest to participate in a Member-Guest clinic? This way you reach out to possible new members. There are many things you can do to change your Tennis Across America clinics from year to year. Remember, by holding a Tennis Across America clinic you are helping to not only build your spring programs but also you are helping to spread the game of tennis to new, current and former players.
From the beginning, USPTA has strived for public awareness and extensive player participation and has achieved this objective through tremendous support from USPTA professionals and the tennis industry.
There are many volunteers assisting USPTA-certified professionals in administering the event. In years past we have had a distinguished group of honorary co-chairs, who have included former President George Bush; TV analysts Cliff Drysdale and Patrick McEnroe; the World's No. 1-ranked men's doubles team of Mike and Bob Bryan; former touring pros Tom Gullikson, Billie Jean King, Pam Shriver, Harold Solomon, Tony Trabert and MaliVai Washington; world-renowned tennis coach Rick Macci; author and speaker Peter Burwash; sport science expert Jack Groppel, Ph.D; and Wayne Bryan, father of Mike and Bob Bryan, lent their support as honorary co-chairs.
Tennis Across America has grown into a multifaceted program that has reached hundreds of thousands of people through three distinctive program segments. The three-phase program provides opportunities to grow the game of tennis through special multicultural clinics, nationwide free clinics hosted by volunteer professionals, and a follow-up program of lessons and league play designed to retain player interest.
Tennis Across America was created in response to a call from the Tennis Industry Council for industry groups to develop a project to promote tennis to current, former and prospective recreational players. The purpose of the event is to stimulate interest in tennis as a participation sport and a means of maintaining physical fitness.
A major accomplishment of USPTA and TAA is the multicultural segment, begun in 1991. The program began in Guam, and the special clinics ran throughout the country, finishing up on the White House tennis court. The program has successfully reached potential players who have special needs and might not otherwise have the opportunity to play, such as inner-city and minority children, senior citizens, handicapped children and adults, and many more.
All segments of Tennis Across America have received tremendous industry support through donations of equipment, such as tennis balls, racquets and string. Because of this support, USPTA is able to supply equipment for multicultural sites throughout the country to encourage new players to continue to play tennis, take lessons and join tennis leagues. This support from the tennis industry has helped Tennis Across America reach an ever-growing number of people.
Grassroots tennis goes international
USPTA Professionals host Tennis Around the World events
This overall goal of Tennis Across America extends to other countries through USPTA's Tennis Around the World™ program. Many of our international members host successful grassroots events in their home countries. | 
