USTA IS PROMOTING MAY AS TENNIS MONTH AND IS PROMOTING

MAY AS "USTA NATIONAL TENNIS MONTH"

HERE ARE IDEAS THAT WILL HELP
"SERVE UP TENNIS BLOCK PARTIES ACROSS THE U.S."

Supporting the national media campaign are

tennis stars John McEnroe, Monica Seles, Tracy Austin, Luke Jensen & Todd Martin

USTA invites all to join Sports Stars & Celebrities for Month long Nationwide Effort to Drive Participation

Tennis Block Parties Kicked off on May 1 in St. Louis

The following is the press release from the USTA:

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. – The USTA today announced the launch of “Tennis Block Parties” – a monthlong, nationwide series of festivals to increase tennis participation in the U.S. and Puerto Rico. John McEnroe, Monica Seles, Tracy Austin, Luke Jensen and Todd Martin will join celebrities and personalities from sports and entertainment in this new community tennis initiative.
Tennis Block Parties begin Sunday, May 1 in St. Louis , bringing new ways to involve and expose players and potential players to the unparalleled health and social benefits of tennis.

Hosted at public parks facilities, Tennis Block Parties will feature three hours of tennis instruction, interactive games and attractions, offering people of all ages and abilities the opportunity to learn and enjoy the benefits of the game – from fun and competition, to lifestyle and fitness. Skilled teaching professionals, accomplished touring pros and special guests will guide attendees through games and skills during this day of fun and learning. The new Tennis Block Party hotline, 1-888-502-PLAY, and usta.com provide up-to-the minute information on events throughout the country.

Tennis Block Party events and attractions include:

· Family Fun Zone – Parents teach kids how to play tennis in a fun, non-competitive atmosphere.

· Demo Racquet Court – Attendees can test the latest equipment on the market, including the newest racquets.

· Tennis 101 – Designed with the new player in mind, Tennis 101 provides a quick way to start rallying with a partner.

· Beat the Pros – Teaching pros and top level players take on all comers in an abbreviated tennis match.

· Team Tennis Challenge – Players enjoy the team experience of the sport beyond doubles.

· Champions of the Court – Competitors can strut their stuff and remain on the court until defeated by challengers in abbreviated tennis matches.

"Spring brings a new attention to fitness, and tennis offers unparalleled ways to have fun and get into shape," said Kurt Kamperman, Chief Executive, Community Tennis, USTA. "The Tennis Block Parties celebrate the sport and provide a new way for people to get out and play."

2005 Tennis Block Party Schedule :

DATE CITY VENUE

May 1 St. Louis Dwight Davis Tennis Center

May 7 New York USTA National Tennis Center

May 7 Los Angeles Seal Beach Tennis Center

May 7 Plantation , Fla. Veltri Tennis Center

May 7 San Antonio McFarlin Tennis Center

May 7 Tacoma , Wash. Sprinker Park

May 7 Eagan , Minn. Eagan Parks & Recreation

May 14 Stamford , Conn. Scalzi Park

May 14 Cincinnati Linder Family Tennis Center

May 14 Phoenix Scottsdale Ranch Park

May 21 Birmingham Pelham Racquet Club

May 21 Indianapolis Indianapolis Tennis Center

May 21 Salt Lake City Liberty Park

May 21 Hamilton, N.J. Veterans Park

May 22 Palo Alto CA Taube Tennis Center ( Stanford Univ. )

May 21-22 San Juan PR 30 various sites

For futher info: Tennis Block Party Hotline: 1-888-502-PLAY or visit www.usta.com or

Alex Palombo, Publicist, Community Tennis, USTA 914-697-2308; palombo@usta.com - PJ Brovak/ Ross Kleinberg , Alan Taylor Communications 212-714-1280; paul@alantaylor.com or ross@alantaylor.com

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