Arthur Ashe Kids' Day Evolves
On Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day presented by Hess, on the Saturday prior to the start of the 2009 U.S. Open, kids were able to watch tennis stars such as Roger Federer, Serena Williams, Maria Sharapova, Andy Roddick, Andy Murray, James Blake, Kim Clijsters, Ana Ivanovic, etc., as well as enjoy concerts, fun activities, contests and tennis-related games. Despite the
rainy forecast, Arthur Ashe Stadium was sold out for the annual fan-friendly celebration which honors tennis legend Arthur Ashe and continues his mission of using tennis as a means to instill in kids the values of leadership, academic excellence and the importance of giving back.
Movie star, Will Ferrell, added his star power support to the event as both chair umpire and by participating in some of the doubles exhibition tennis matches. The musical concerts thrilled the screaming kids and included platinum-selling artist and American Idol, Jordin Sparks, who performed two of her hit singles, including the latest, “Battlefield.” Rising stars Honor Society and 15-year-old Usher protégé, Justin Bieber, also entertained the Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd.
A popular feature at Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day was the return of SmashZone, located in the new indoor training facility at the USTA Billie Jean King National Center. SmashZone introduces kids (and adults!) to the fun sport of tennis and includes games, contests and exhibitions for children. For example, kids can test the speed of their serves, test out the new Grand Slam Tennis video game from Nintendo Wii and play tennis against each other using the QuickStart Tennis play format. There is also a new broadcast booth, “You Call the Shots,” where a tennis fan can watch part of a tennis match and record his/her own commentary. Other activities include tennis video games, a “Speed Serve” cage, “American Express Challenge-a-Pro” and “The Training Zone,” a state-of-the-art electronic backboard.
In the past, Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day which supported Arthur’s Foundation and this year $67,000 was raised for several charities. Maria Sharapova, Andy Roddick and Serena Williams each raised $15,000 for their respective Foundations through a tennis skills session while Roger Federer earned $12,000 for his Foundation and another $10,000 was raised for Team NJTL. The National Junior Tennis and Learning Network, founded by Arthur Ashe, Charlie Pasarell and Sheridan Snyder, endeavors to develop the character of children through tennis and education.
Movie star, Will Ferrell, added his star power support to the event as both chair umpire and by participating in some of the doubles exhibition tennis matches. The musical concerts thrilled the screaming kids and included platinum-selling artist and American Idol, Jordin Sparks, who performed two of her hit singles, including the latest, “Battlefield.” Rising stars Honor Society and 15-year-old Usher protégé, Justin Bieber, also entertained the Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd.
A popular feature at Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day was the return of SmashZone, located in the new indoor training facility at the USTA Billie Jean King National Center. SmashZone introduces kids (and adults!) to the fun sport of tennis and includes games, contests and exhibitions for children. For example, kids can test the speed of their serves, test out the new Grand Slam Tennis video game from Nintendo Wii and play tennis against each other using the QuickStart Tennis play format. There is also a new broadcast booth, “You Call the Shots,” where a tennis fan can watch part of a tennis match and record his/her own commentary. Other activities include tennis video games, a “Speed Serve” cage, “American Express Challenge-a-Pro” and “The Training Zone,” a state-of-the-art electronic backboard.
In the past, Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day which supported Arthur’s Foundation and this year $67,000 was raised for several charities. Maria Sharapova, Andy Roddick and Serena Williams each raised $15,000 for their respective Foundations through a tennis skills session while Roger Federer earned $12,000 for his Foundation and another $10,000 was raised for Team NJTL. The National Junior Tennis and Learning Network, founded by Arthur Ashe, Charlie Pasarell and Sheridan Snyder, endeavors to develop the character of children through tennis and education.
|| Comments (3)
Comments
"Using tennis as a means to instill in kids the values of leadership, academic excellence and the importance of giving back" - What a fine initiative ! Hats off to the organizers of the event.
Posted by: Dr. Cajetan Coelho | September 5, 2009 10:47 AM
Indeed great article as for me. I'd like to read a bit more about such matter. Thanks for sharing that data.
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Posted by: Gus | October 28, 2010 04:33 PM