Media Contact Only: John A. Stokes (DPR), (202) 673-2195; Jack Pfeiffer (EOM), (202) 727-1751
DPR Athletic Programs: (202) 671-1700
Today, Mayor Adrian M. Fenty announced the introduction of the DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) Youth Tennis Pilot Program, a new citywide initiative to introduce children and youth across the District to the game of tennis. The DPR Youth Tennis Pilot Program will create new opportunities for children and youth to be exposed to the game of tennis at a younger age, allow them to enjoy the many positive benefits of participating in organized sports, and enhance DPR's existing tennis programs.
“The new DPR Youth Tennis Pilot Program reflects the District’s commitment to playing a proactive role in our children’s health and growing the game of tennis in the District," said Mayor Fenty. "Not only is tennis one of the fastest growing sports in the country, it is a complete sport, one that builds great benefits for its players - physically, mentally, and emotionally."
DPR will introduce the Youth Tennis Pilot Program across the District through DPR's Camp Discovery summer camp program, allowing up to 4,000 children and youth ages 6 to 13 years old to participate in the pilot program’s introduction. Many Camp Discovery locations are sites which have not previously had tennis programs available, and for the first time, participants will enjoy a new sports opportunity and 45 minutes of daily tennis training.
"It is important for DPR to expand and enhance the programs available to our residents and to create new opportunities to expose our children and youth to organized sports at a young age," said Ximena Hartsock, DPR Acting Director. "The DPR Youth Tennis Pilot Program will provide our youngest residents with new opportunities to enjoy a lifelong sport, and teach them how live a healthy and active lifestyle, all while having fun.”
The DPR Youth Tennis Pilot Program will incorporate the United States Tennis Association’s (USTA) QuickStart Tennis format, a new format which was developed to help children and youth 10 years old and under to learn and play the game of tennis. USTA will support the pilot program by providing staff training and specialized equipment, including portable QuickStart nets, racquets, and balls. The Youth Tennis Pilot Program will also provide an opportunity for DPR staff to expand their professional skills.
DPR currently offers a variety tennis programs for children, youth, and adults, year-round at sites across the District of Columbia. To learn more about DPR tennis programs or other athletic programs, visit the "Athletic Programs" section of DPR’s website, dpr.dc.gov or contact DPR Athletics at (202) 671-1700.
Select the link below to view photos of this event from DPR's Flickr photostream:
For information on how to support or contribute to the DC Department of Parks and Recreation, please contact DPR's Office of Partnerships and Development at (202) 258-6021 or DPRpartnerships@dc.gov.
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