USTA Eastern Long Island Region Update: September/October 2012

September 25, 2012 | By Long Island Tennis Magazine Staff
Chandra_Rubin

Kids’ Rally Day Shines
Local children spent a fun day on the courts at Malverne High School at Long Island Kids Rally Day, presented by the USTA Eastern Long Island Region and benefitting the USTA National Junior Tennis & Learning (NJTL) Program. More than 250 kids from across Nassau and Suffolk Counties represented Community Tennis Associations (CTAs), NJTLs, day camps and other groups. They enjoyed a day of games and matches, as well as 10 & Under lessons for newcomers. The day’s special guest clinician, former world number six-ranked pro Chanda Rubin, spent the day on court with the juniors giving them tips and instruction that can only come from a true champion. Special thanks to the Malverne School District, the Village of Malverne and the many volunteers who helped make Rally Day a success.



Tennis Blitz in the Park: A New Nassau County Tradition
The 5th Annual Tennis Blitz in the Parks was held at eight Nassau County Parks in mid-July, with nearly 1,100 Nassau County adults and children being treated to 2.5 hours of free tennis lessons by USTA staffers, USPTA and PTR pros, and other volunteers.

Tennis Blitz in the Parks was conceived and organized by Bill Mecca, the USTA Eastern Long Island Region Tennis Service Representative who worked with Karen Beckhard Ravener from the Nassau County Department of Parks to ensure that all 1,100 participants had an outstanding tennis experience.

The event was held at seven Nassau County Parks: Eisenhower Park, Christopher Morley Park, Nickerson Beach, North Woodmere, Cantiague Park, Cow Meadow Park and Centennial Park.

Tennis Blitz in the Parks is open to all players, Nassau County campers of all ages and skills. It features the latest 10 & Under teaching techniques and methodology, and where appropriate, uses modified racquets, balls and courts. According to Mecca, this event is arguably the largest of such events in the country, and to date, nearly 5,000 children and adults have benefitted from the many benefits of playing tennis.

The success of the Blitz in the Parks program is the due to the generosity of many people and organizations, including the USTA, USPTA, USTA Eastern and many Long Island volunteers.

 



New Member Organization Offers Lessons
The non-profit Baldwin Tennis Club, a new USTA Long Island member organization, has been offering low-cost kids’ lessons all summer and held its first-ever Kid’s PLAY DAY at Baldwin High School. The USTA Eastern Long Island Region congratulates the Baldwin Tennis Club on its successful inaugural season and looks forward to working with the group in the months and years ahead.

 

 

 



Street Fair Season Arrives
It’s that time of year again—fair and festival season—and the USTA Eastern Long Island Region volunteer Board of Directors is looking forward to meeting many local tennis fans on the streets this year. The Long Island Region will be out in force at the Merrick Fair on Saturday, Sept. 8, and the Bellmore Family Festival on Saturday, Sept. 22. Both events take place near the train stations in each respective town. Tennis courts specially sized for those ages 10 & Under will be set up at the fairs, and USTA pros will be giving lessons all day. There will also be games and prizes, and we’ll be selling special “I Love LI Tennis” t-shirts for only $5 each. Member organizations and tennis instructors who want to volunteer their time to help at the fairs can e-mail ustaonlongisland@gmail.com. We can also use high school tennis player volunteers as well as any USTA members who want to help. Stop by and support your Long Island Region at the fairs!!



Do You Like Us?
The USTA Eastern Long Island Region has been a strong local presence on Facebook, but we want to see more of you. We’re trying to reach 1,000 Likes and you can help. Just go to USTA Long Island on Facebook and Like our page. Then, you’ll have immediate access to important tennis information in the Region, including details of all our events, programs and activities and links to local clubs and details about what your fellow Long Island tennis players, instructors, facilities and supporters are doing. We’re also happy to post your news about tournaments, fundraisers, tennis fundraisers, tournament wins or results, school tennis results, 10 & Under tournaments and results, Long Island juniors and Long Island rankings, among other things. Just forward all of your news to us by e-mail at ustaonlongisland@gmail.com.



Junior Fun at LI Rally Day
Chanda Rubin Takes Part in the 2012 Long Island Kids Rally Day


Carl Summerlin, president of the USTA Eastern Metro Region, provided music during Kids Rally Day

 


USTA Eastern Long Island Region President Daniel Burgess with volunteer Jay Fagin

 


Members of the Alliance Junior Tennis Camp of Roosevelt enjoyed the day of tennis fun

 


Chanda Rubin with USTA Eastern Long Island volunteer Ross Binder

 


Participants from Wee Friends Day Camp in Wantagh enjoy a cooling sweet treat from Merrick’s Swirlz World dessert emporium

 


Chanda Rubin with Terry Fontana, USTA Eastern Long Island Region Rally Day Chair, during the 2012 Long Island Kids Rally Day event



Nassau Tennis in the Parks

 

 


 


Long Island Tennis Magazine Staff
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