USTA and Queens DA Brown to Host “Say Yes to Tennis, No to Violence” Day

USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center to host 12th annual event

May 27, 2010 | By Long Island Tennis Magazine Staff
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The USTA has announced that it will partner with Queens District Attorney Richard A. Brown to host more than 650 Far Rockaway, N.Y., public school students at the 12th Annual “Say Yes to Tennis, No to Violence” Day on Thursday, May 27 at 10:00 a.m. at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing, N.Y. The day will feature on-court activities for the students with National Tennis Center pros, as well as appearances by District Attorney Brown and former New York City Mayor David N. Dinkins, who now serves on the USTA’s Board of Directors.

“This day is another great example of the USTA’s commitment to children across the country, and affords a wonderful opportunity to utilize tennis to instill important life lessons,“ said Gordon Smith, executive director and chief operating officer, USTA. “By partnering with District Attorney Brown we are helping to promote the message of anti-violence to these young people while displaying the many beneficial attributes that tennis has to offer."

The students are enrolled in nine public schools in Far Rockaway, where they participate in the District Attorney’s STAR (Straight Talk About Risks) Track anti-violence program. The schools include: Far Rockaway High School, Middle School 53, and Public Schools 42, 43, 104, 106, 197, 215 and 333 which enroll more than 7,000 students in grades four through 12. STAR Track sends 30 Assistant District Attorneys into these schools to teach children about the risks of drugs, gangs, and guns in partnership with educators and parents. The program uses a curriculum designed to drive down the crime rate and build up self-esteem, confidence and quality of life its participants.

“The annual ‘Say Yes to Tennis, No to Violence’ event is meant to show our young people that sports can be a positive alternative to a life of violence and crime,” said DA Brown. “I want to congratulate the students who have participated in our STAR Track program this year. The choices and decisions they make will help shape their future.”

The event is sponsored by the following groups: USTA, the New York Junior Tennis League, the New York City Department of Education, and the Queens County District Attorney’s Office.

For more information, visit www.usta.com.


Long Island Tennis Magazine Staff
Century
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