Shinnecock Indians Adopt Tennis

September 13, 2011 | By Bill Mecca
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For generations, tennis has been all around them, but the Shinnecock Indian reservation in Southampton, N.Y. had not adopted the sport until this year. Recognizing the many health benefits of tennis, tribe member Ken Coard, the director of Indian Education and the summer cultural camp, decided it was about time to introduce tennis to the youngsters.

Working with Bill Mecca, the USTA Eastern Long Island Region Representative, who was able to secure an equipment grant from the USTA Eastern Long Island Region, some additional equipment from the U.S. Professional Tennis Association, and a grant from United Way of Long Island (thanks to Board member Craig Fligstein) which paid for a tennis professional to provide four hours of lessons to the kids.

This was a great experience for the kids, said Coard, and we are trying to find a way to put down permanent QuickStatrt courts and keep the program running through the Fall and into next year. Over 40 of the children received free 10-and-under USTA memberships and over 50 took part in the program.

 


Bill Mecca
Tennis Service Representative on Long Island for the USTA Eastern Section

Bill Mecca is the Tennis Service Representative on Long Island for the USTA Eastern Section. He may be reached by e-mail at mecca@eastern.usta.com.

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