Monday, May 07, 2001 <br> <br> <br><br><br><br>
<br>What is USA Tennis Month? <br> <br> <br> <br>USA
Tennis Month celebrates the bonds of kinship that are
strengthened through tennis. <br>Family Matters<br>In a nation
that celebrates family, often in inverse proportion to
the amount of stress placed upon it in a rapidly
changing society, no sport is more family-friendly than
tennis.<br>FULL STORY from USTA Magazine <br> <br> <br>USA Tennis
Month, an annual May celebration of everything tennis,
this year focuses on positive activities for
families.<br><br>The United States Tennis Association is conducting
this 31-day tennis celebration for the fourth
consecutive year. USA Tennis Month will kick off with a
family tennis festival on Tuesday, May 8 at the USTA
National Tennis Center, home of the US Open. The event
will feature husband and wife actors Jane Kaczmarek of
Malcolm in the Middle and Bradley Whitford of The West
Wing - official spokespersons for USA Tennis Month.
<br><br>"I’m thrilled to be a part of USA Tennis Month," said
Whitford. "I’m an avid player, and tennis is a great way
for parents and their children to stay in shape,
spend quality time together and most importantly, have
fun." <br><br>Kaczmarek adds, "I’m a big tennis fan.
USA Tennis Month is a great opportunity for families
to be introduced to a wonderful sport, one where
they play together while learning life lessons."
<br><br>The USA Tennis Month national launch event in New
York will focus on positive activities for families,
emphasizing tennis, reading and life lessons. In addition to
Kaczmarek and Whitford, tennis legends Jim Courier, Zina
Garrison and Pam Shriver, and author Terrie Williams
(Simple Life Lessons for Teens) will participate in the
festivities.<br><br>USTA President Merv Heller said, "USA Tennis Month
provides tremendous exposure for grassroots tennis. I am
excited about the tens of thousands of Americans who will
take up tennis during May, and discover the fun and
healthy benefits of the sport."<br><br>In a united effort
to support the growth of tennis, communities
throughout the country will host tennis events during the
month of May. This year, 110 communities across the
country will receive grants to increase participation in
their local USA Tennis programs and expand or develop
local Community Tennis Associations. Local market
highlights include