Mercer Tennis Classic Hosts Monday Kid’s Clinics
10/22/2018 9:02:00 PM | Men's Tennis, Women's Tennis
MACON, Ga. - The 2018 Mercer Tennis Classic hosted two important kid's clinics on Monday night with an assortment of players from the USTA Pro Circuit event. This is keeping in tradition with one of the missions of the Mercer Tennis Classic- giving back to the Macon tennis community.
Here's a summary of the clinics:
Robin Bateman Night
Longtime Macon tennis advocate, Robin Bateman, was honored on Monday night at LeRoy Peddy Tennis Center at Mercer University. Bateman is the longtime tennis coordinator at Tattnall Square Tennis Center and has been a freelance tennis writer for over a decade, spreading the word about tennis and the tennis industry to those in Middle Georgia. Bateman was given an award by the Macon Tennis Association.
"I really want people to take up the sport and play tennis," said Bateman. "And if they can't play tennis, become a tennis advocate and spread the word. Tennis is a great family sport and a chance to make lifelong friends. I know how important tennis can be!"
Following the ceremony kids and some adults participated in drills and match play with professionals from the USTA Pro Circuit event and ate pizza. They were coached and given advice to use on and off the tennis court.
Net Therapy at John Drew Smith Tennis Center
Earlier this year, the Macon Tennis Association launched a Net Therapy program -- a weekly tennis class that is designed specifically for children on the autism spectrum. Approximately ten children attended the first session this afternoon at the John Drew Smith Tennis Center in north Macon. On Monday, players from the Mercer Tennis Classic, local hero, Jaime Kaplan and about 75 kids took to the courts at John Drew Smith Tennis Center and saw how Net Therapy works wonders in the community.
MTA Programs Director Jenni Eddlemon wanted to do this to serve the community."We wanted to do community outreach," Eddlemon said. "And really hit those under-served communities that wouldn't normally be introduced to the sport of tennis."
It was hard to tell who enjoyed the time on the court more- the professionals or the kids. A great night of tennis giving back throughout Macon!
Tournament volunteers are needed and any help is always appreciated. Call Mercer tennis coach and tournament director Eric Hayes at (478) 301-2269.
About the USTA Pro Circuit
With approximately 90 tournaments hosted annually throughout the country and prize money ranging from $10,000 to $100,000, the USTA Pro Circuit is the pathway to the US Open and tour-level competition for aspiring tennis players and a frequent battleground for established professionals. The USTA launched its Pro Circuit in 1979 to provide players with the opportunity to gain professional ranking points, and it has since grown to become the largest developmental tennis circuit in the world, offering nearly $3 million in prize money. Last year, more than 1,000 men and women from more than 70 countries competed in cities nationwide. Victoria Azarenka, Eugenie Bouchard, John Isner, Madison Keys, Andy Murray, Kei Nishikori, Sam Querrey and Caroline Wozniacki are among today's top stars who began their careers on the USTA Pro Circuit.
For more information:
On-site PR contact: Rick Limpert (209) 920-7425 or email: Rick.Limpert@gmail.com
Website: www.ustamaconclassic.com
Twitter: @USTAMacon80K
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MaconTennisClassic/
Instagram: wl_amos_tennis
Here's a summary of the clinics:
Robin Bateman Night
Longtime Macon tennis advocate, Robin Bateman, was honored on Monday night at LeRoy Peddy Tennis Center at Mercer University. Bateman is the longtime tennis coordinator at Tattnall Square Tennis Center and has been a freelance tennis writer for over a decade, spreading the word about tennis and the tennis industry to those in Middle Georgia. Bateman was given an award by the Macon Tennis Association.
"I really want people to take up the sport and play tennis," said Bateman. "And if they can't play tennis, become a tennis advocate and spread the word. Tennis is a great family sport and a chance to make lifelong friends. I know how important tennis can be!"
Following the ceremony kids and some adults participated in drills and match play with professionals from the USTA Pro Circuit event and ate pizza. They were coached and given advice to use on and off the tennis court.
Net Therapy at John Drew Smith Tennis Center
Earlier this year, the Macon Tennis Association launched a Net Therapy program -- a weekly tennis class that is designed specifically for children on the autism spectrum. Approximately ten children attended the first session this afternoon at the John Drew Smith Tennis Center in north Macon. On Monday, players from the Mercer Tennis Classic, local hero, Jaime Kaplan and about 75 kids took to the courts at John Drew Smith Tennis Center and saw how Net Therapy works wonders in the community.
MTA Programs Director Jenni Eddlemon wanted to do this to serve the community."We wanted to do community outreach," Eddlemon said. "And really hit those under-served communities that wouldn't normally be introduced to the sport of tennis."
It was hard to tell who enjoyed the time on the court more- the professionals or the kids. A great night of tennis giving back throughout Macon!
Tournament volunteers are needed and any help is always appreciated. Call Mercer tennis coach and tournament director Eric Hayes at (478) 301-2269.
About the USTA Pro Circuit
With approximately 90 tournaments hosted annually throughout the country and prize money ranging from $10,000 to $100,000, the USTA Pro Circuit is the pathway to the US Open and tour-level competition for aspiring tennis players and a frequent battleground for established professionals. The USTA launched its Pro Circuit in 1979 to provide players with the opportunity to gain professional ranking points, and it has since grown to become the largest developmental tennis circuit in the world, offering nearly $3 million in prize money. Last year, more than 1,000 men and women from more than 70 countries competed in cities nationwide. Victoria Azarenka, Eugenie Bouchard, John Isner, Madison Keys, Andy Murray, Kei Nishikori, Sam Querrey and Caroline Wozniacki are among today's top stars who began their careers on the USTA Pro Circuit.
For more information:
On-site PR contact: Rick Limpert (209) 920-7425 or email: Rick.Limpert@gmail.com
Website: www.ustamaconclassic.com
Twitter: @USTAMacon80K
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MaconTennisClassic/
Instagram: wl_amos_tennis
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