USPTA members host Tennis Across America clinics
Hundreds of United States Professional Tennis Association members across the nation hosted free Tennis Across America clinics with the theme of Tennis — for the health of it! on May 14, to celebrate the 22nd annual Tennis Across America Day. While the overall goal of Tennis Across America has always been to take the game of tennis to new, current and former players, this year the focus is on promoting the health benefits of tennis to help support efforts to reduce obesity.
The USPTA encouraged every member to take part in the One-Clinic Challenge and run at least one Tennis Across America event to help spread the word that obesity is now an epidemic, especially with today’s youth devoting more time to computers and other technology than to exercise. In addition, it provides the opportunity to focus on the long-range health benefits of developing a habit of being active through tennis from early childhood.
Tennis Across America, which was established in 1990 by the USPTA, is the original, free grassroots lessons program. The goal of the program is to get people out on the court, playing tennis. The multicultural segment was added later with the goal of reaching various communities and potential players who have special needs and may not otherwise have the opportunity to play.
The Tennis Across America program consists of three major elements. First, free clinics are held at public and private facilities around the nation. Second, multicultural clinics introduce the sport to various groups and give everyone the opportunity to experience tennis. Third, follow-up programs are created to provide players with an opportunity to pursue their new enthusiasm for tennis.
Also, many companies in the health and fitness arena that are leading the charge in shaping a healthy America and battling the national obesity epidemic - specifically, childhood obesity - support USPTA’s efforts, including:
- The American College of Sports Medicine - Exercise is Medicine Initiative
- International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association - Campaign for a Healthier America
- The National Physical Activity Plan
- Mental Health America — Live Your Life Well Initiative
- Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation
Tennis — for the health of it! strives to make the general public aware of the tremendous health, fitness and psychological benefits of tennis and encourage people to get out and play the sport as a part of their regular fitness regimen. The USPTA also strives to encourage and enable kids across the nation and world to live a healthy lifestyle through the sport of tennis.
In addition, the USPTA and its members are the delivery force through which the public can receive these benefits through lessons and other tennis activities.
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