The 119ta initiates a sponsored tennis clinic
As an association we have always been conscious that the 119th Street courts are situated within a very diverse neighborhood, and that within our community there are those who cannot afford tennis lessons, let alone a tennis racquet.
It was a great pleasure to find ourselves in a position to be able to sponsor tennis lessons for a few youngsters from the the Dorothy Day Apartments, part of the not profit group Broadway Housing Communities. This organization sponsors innovative permanent housing for individuals and families in the greatest need, and strives to create caring, diverse and supportive communities of opportunities. (Visit http://www.broadwayhousing.org for more info)
However, we wouldn't have been able to initiate this program without the support and generous donation of the necessary equipment! A big thank you to Woody Schneider of Grand Central Racquet: (Visit http://www.grandcentralracquet.com for a great selection of racquets and accesories; the opportunity to try out racquets; and under 24 hour restringing services.)
So we offer a warm welcome to our budding tennis players: Arturo Basilio, Emmanuel Basilio, Is-Haq Lawal and Safi Tunkara. They began their lessons with Mallika Fernando, our Resident Pro, on 11th July and have had 2 lessons per week on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 9.00 a.m. They are scheduled to complete the clinic on Thursday, 16th August, and will graduate with their tennis racquet in hand, plus a 119ta T shirt and many encouraging good wishes from us all!
Please contact moc.ozzunnaj|eiramenna#moc.ozzunnaj|eiramenna for more information about this initiative and how you can support the program in the future.
Dedicated Volunteer
Our Director of Public Affairs, Anne-Marie Jannuzzo, was featured in an article in the the USTA Annual Report in 2005 — here's an excerpt:
Anne-Marie Jannuzzo received the USTA Metro Region’s grant of $1,000 on behalf of the 119th Street Tennis Association, Riverside Park, New York City from Mark McIntyre, Treasurer. She enquired whether she was supposed to do the ‘finale’, because these were hard acts to follow, referring to the 30 other recipients who had spoken so eloquently and passionately about growing the game of tennis in their local communities. They were all certainly an inspiration for a gal, whose hometown is Wimbledon, and who felt like the ‘new kid on the block’. However, the 119ta hoped to hear the patter of tinier feet on the public courts in Riverside Park, by establishing Children’s Tennis Clinics. Our clinics have become a reality.
It had been quite a year for the small volunteof 119ta of which Anne-Marie serves as Director of Public Affairs. “We are a great team” she said, “everybody brings different skills and expertise to the table” mine just happens to be administration and organization. In my previous life, across the pond, I worked in the theatre industry organizing events, such as the Laurence Olivier Theatre Awards and fund-raising galas for the charity Action Against Aids.
From Black Tie Dinners to Tennis Togs and Picnics – the skills are the same and the enthusiasm must not wane. First it’s the letter, then the phone call, followed by some charm, a lot of tenacity and the ability to deliver. It is exhausting, but can be very fulfilling. I love the way our local restaurants and neighborhood stores have contributed to the growth of our association by helping us create a wonderful ‘start of the season’ Picnic. The occasion brings a diverse group of people together parks personnel; local government officials; USTA representatives and of course it serves as a great way to meet tennis players and recruit new members.
STAIRWAY TO PARADISE
The stairs leading to the courts at Riverside Drive and 119th Street have gotten a much needed facelift. Thanks to the New York City administration for including this beautiful stairway, along with the one at 115th Street, also in Riverside Park, in its capital improvements budget.