Media Info

PSA 3/22/02
Kids N’ Tennis Gains
National Recognition

Communications
Backgrounder

Welcome to Kids N' Tennis Online
Bringing fitness and education together for inner city youths

Kids N’ Tennis, Inc. is entering its fifteenth year of operation. Founded in 1987 by Andre St. James and Donald Johnson this organization’s mission is to help children learn how to play tennis without having financial constrains or obstacles interfere with their goals or success. Kids N’ Tennis provides many benefits to the community while promoting tennis throughout Portland, the Northwest and the nation. The program has helped nearly 1,500 kids learn the skills of tennis and has trained numerous kids who’ve gone on to become tennis teaching professionals, collegiate players, and high school coaches. We’ve connected with other kids programs and organizations in Boston, Los Angeles, Seattle, Mexico, Jamaica, Ethiopia, and Madagascar. Through our youth outreach and player development programs children have received racquets, shoes, clothing, and equipment. In some instances we have visited these cities and countries, conducting clinics for children and instructional workshops for their coaches. Our kids have played in tournaments around the United States and continue to be exemplary role models of the best of Oregon and the Pacific Northwest. Our coaches are recognized nationally for their dedication and teaching skills, and have presented workshops throughout the nation. Kids N' Tennis, is recognized as an outstanding youth tennis program promoting tennis especially for kids with unique or special needs.

Browse our site and learn more about what Kids N' Tennis does for its community and for youth in the Portland area.