Media Contact: John A. Stokes, (202) 673-2195
On Saturday, October 18, the DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) is inviting the public to an exciting day of sports education, physical fitness, celebrity tennis matches and sports clinics at two events in Ward 8.
From 9 am to 3:30 pm, DPR, in partnership with the Recreation Wish List Committee of Washington, DC, and the support of Wilson Sporting Goods, will host the 11th Annual Heart to Hart Tennis Experience at the Southeast Tennis and Learning Center (SETLC), 701 Mississippi Avenue, SE.
Simultaneously from 11 am to 3 pm at Oxon Run Park, located at Wheeler Road and Mississippi Avenue, SE (adjacent to the SETLC), in partnership with Georgetown University Basketball Head Coach John Thompson III and the foundation established in his name, the agency will host the 2nd Annual John Thompson III Foundation Community Festival.
At 12 noon, a joint press conference will be held outside the SETLC to highlight the philanthropic contributions of both organizations. Directly thereafter at 12:30 pm, the Honorable Councilmember Marion Barry (Ward 8) will defend his “Heart to Hart Tennis Champion” title during celebrity matches featuring tennis legend Zina Garrison, WPGC 95.5 FM radio personality Donnie Simpson and Coach Thompson.
Other confirmed guest speakers for the day include Cora Masters Barry, CEO/Founder of the Recreation Wish List Committee and Clark E. Ray, director of DPR. At 1:00 pm, both organizations will kick-off tennis and basketball clinics for area youth.
District government agencies and community organizations which specialize in youth, family and/or senior services are welcome to be vendors at the outdoor community festival. To reserve a space, please contact MosesAlexander Greene, DPR Special Events/Public Affairs Specialist, at MosesAlexander.Greene@dc.gov or (202) 673-7684 by Wednesday, October 15. Additionally, joint interviews with Mrs. Barry and Coach Thompson are being scheduled. To arrange an interview please contact, John A. Stokes, DPR Director of Communications, at (202) 673-2195.
About the 11th Annual Heart to Hart Tennis Experience
On Saturday, October 18, from 9 am to 3:30 pm, the Recreation Wish List Committee, in partnership with DC DPR, will present a day of tennis clinics, celebrity matches and a silent auction for the public. The 11th Annual Heart to Hart Tennis Experience will assist the Southeast Tennis and Learning Center, a world-class, $5.1 Million tennis facility located in the Ward 8, in continuing to meet its mission of introducing youth and young adults to the sport of tennis.
Operated in partnership with the Department of Parks and Recreation, the Southeast Tennis and Learning Center serves over 85 District youth daily and provides tennis instruction, tutoring, developmental chess, life skills and educational reinforcements to area youth.
During the closing ceremony four promising youth from the SETLC will be awarded scholarships. This scholarship will assist the youth in their tennis endeavors for one year. The event also includes a silent auction, tennis clinic, jazzercise warm-up, continental breakfast and cook-out. Youth and adult participants receive a t-shirt or sweat shirt in their promotional gift bags.
Tax deductible sponsorships for the 11th Annual Heart to Hart Tennis Experience are available for individuals, clubs and corporations. For more information, contact the Recreation Wish List Committee by telephone at (202) 678-7530 or via email at rwlc@aol.com.
About the John Thompson III Foundation Community Festival
Established by John Thompson III, Head Coach of Men’s Basketball at Georgetown University, the John Thompson III Foundation is committed to partnering with organizations that work to eradicate poverty, educate children and provide preventive health care, to under served communities. The Foundation partners primarily, but not exclusively, with non-profits in the Washington, DC metropolitan region that specialize in programs to underserved children and families.
On Saturday, October 18, from 11 am to 3 pm, District children, youth, seniors and families are invited to experience a full day of edutainment at the John Thompson III Foundation Community Festival. Held at Oxon Run Park, located at the intersection of Mississippi and Southern Avenues in Southeast Washington, participants will be able to engage in basketball clinics, arts and crafts classes and a wide array of physical fitness drills. Georgetown University Hospital will offer health screenings, including checking for diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure.
Over 25 community groups that service the Anacostia community will also be on-hand at the 2nd Annual John Thompson III Foundation Community Festival to provide information about their outreach services and other opportunities. For more information, contact the Foundation by telephone at (202) 508-5280 or via email at info@JTIIIFoundation.org