Media Contact: John A. Stokes, (202) 673-2195 (DPR); Jack Pfeiffer, (202) 553-8195 (EOM)
Mayor Adrian Fenty today proclaimed that the week of August 1 - 9 in the District of Columbia has been officially designated as “Tennis Week” in recognition of the Legg Mason Tennis Classic presented by GEICO, the annual ATP World Tour 500 men’s professional tennis tournament. The announcement took place at the Official Draw Ceremony on-site at Rock Creek Tennis Stadium (16th and Kennedy Streets, NW), home of the Washington Tennis and Education Foundation (WTEF), beneficiary of the event.
The Draw was hosted by National Park Service (NPS) Superintendent for Rock Creek Park Adrienne Coleman, who commented that, “What makes the Legg Mason such a special event is that it not only brings world-class tennis to Rock Creek Park, the District, and the Washington area, but helps to support the youth programs of the Washington Tennis and Education Foundation. Ultimately, the kids are what it's all about.”
Coleman and Fenty were joined by Ward 4 Councilmember Muriel Bowser and Ximena Hartsock, Acting Director of the DC Department of Parks and Recreation, for the kick-off celebration honoring the popular sporting event that has been held on national park grounds in the nation’s capital for 41 consecutive years.
“We are proud to kick off DC Tennis Week with the Legg Mason Tennis Classic,” said Mayor Adrian M. Fenty. “This is a welcome institution in the District, we are honored to host the tournament, and thankful for their commitment to our youth and communities.”
Following the Mayor’s presentation, under the guidance of ATP World Tour officials, the draw was held for the tournament’s main draw singles competition, with guests pulling chips to actually decide the brackets. Top seeded Andy Roddick is automatically on line 1, with defending champion and No. 2 seed Juan Martin Del Potro on Line 64. The tournament is a 48 player draw with 16 seeded players – all of whom are awarded first round byes.
Councilmember Bowser said, “I am pleased that Mayor Fenty proclaimed this week as DC Tennis Week to recognize the Legg Mason Tennis Classic’s importance to our city. It is truly wonderful that this event takes place at the William H.G. FitzGerald Tennis Center in Rock Creek Park because it brings significant attention to our city and residents do not have to go far to enjoy a world-class sporting event.”
DPR Acting Director Ximena Hartsock states, “The opportunity to expand and expose tennis activities for District residents is extremely important.” she continues, “DPR is grateful to Legg Mason for their support of the District’s commitment to tennis.”
For more information on the Legg Mason Tennis Classic presented by GEICO, or to buy tickets online, visit the tournament Web site at www.leggmasontennisclassic.com. Single session tickets, ranging in price from $10-70 – based on location, session date and time – are available through all Ticketmaster outlets, (202) 397-SEAT (7328), (703) 573-SEAT, or (410) 547-SEAT and on-line at www.ticketmaster.com or the tournament website.
A portion of the proceeds from the tournament will benefit the programs of the Washington Tennis and Education Foundation (WTEF).
About the Washington Tennis and Education Foundation
The Washington Tennis and Education Foundation (WTEF), Winner of the 2008 Washington Post Award for Excellence in Nonprofit Management, seeks to improve the life prospects for DC area youth, particularly those from lower-income communities, through tennis, education and community-based activities that teach discipline, build self-esteem and improve academic performance. For more information, visit www.wtef.org.
About Legg Mason
Legg Mason is a global asset management firm, with $657 billion in assets under management at June 30, 2009. The Company provides active asset management in many major investment centers throughout the world. Legg Mason is headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland, and its common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (symbol: LM). For more information, visit www.leggmason.com.