It's hard to recall now, but there was a time when the District of Columbia had one of the best junior tennis programs in the country. In the early, and mid '70's, kids who grew up playing on the city's public courts ruled the state junior tournaments in Maryland and Virginia and were strong contenders in regional and national tournaments.

That's one of the reasons why seven years ago District citizens along with the DC Department of Parks and Recreation entered into this unique partnership that has now culminated in this magnificent facility

The Southeast Tennis and Learning Center is not only a building facility, but a symbol of the rebirth and growth of our neighborhoods East of the River. The Southeast Tennis and Learning Center is the only public facility of its kind in the country's urban center, and one of the very few publicly available and affordable indoor tennis court facilities in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. The Southeast Tennis and Learning Center will be the heart and soul of the East of the River tennis community.

The Southeast Tennis and Learning Center is more than just a tennis facility. It is a place where the therapeutic value of tennis is combined with education and self-motivation. It is a place where the youth of the community can come and find out who they really are on a field that is always level and a place that is always safe. The world of tennis helps children discover and achieve their potential. Through tennis training, they develop discipline, learn to compete, accept responsibility, manage adversity, develop social skills, learn to win graciously and lose with honor.

My administration is working to create a balanced offering of activities and programs that are effective in building links in the communities we serve. We are confident that the linkages we are establishing, combined with service coordination, will lead to better outcomes for the children and families in all of our neighborhoods.

Anthony A. Williams
Mayor
District of Columbia