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KNT 2002 Media Info PSA 3/22/02
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Kids N' Tennis Gains National Recognition Tennis Week Magazine recently recognized Kids N' Tennis, Inc., located at the St. John's Racquet Center in north Portland, Oregon, as one of the top Community Tennis Associations (CTAs) in America. An article titled The Nation's Top CTAs by Jonathan Whitbourne in Tennis Week magazine dated February 14, 2002 rated Kids N' Tennis, Inc. of Portland, Oregon as number nine (9) on their list of the top CTAs. This is a prestigious list that includes associations located in Washington D.C., Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Florida, California, and other metropolitan areas throughout the United States with strong tennis programs. Beginning its 15th anniversary, Kids N' Tennis has focused its energies on kids who want to play, regardless of their ability to pay, their cultural, or ethnic background. Kids N' Tennis has embraced the multi-cultural aspect of their service to the community and through contacts at regional and national tournaments has helped other kids programs in Jamaica, Madagascar, Mexico, Ethiopia, and locations in the US. Kids N' Tennis programs have provided quality recreational and educational mentoring opportunities for more than 1,500 children in the Portland area. Kids 'N Tennis's mission as a CTA is to introduce tennis to children through tennis assemblies at local elementary and middle schools; work with the United States Tennis Association/Pacific Northwest (USTA/PNW) Section to train and establish a cadre of coaches to serve as volunteers and teaching assistants at summer tennis camps and various junior tennis programs throughout the Portland metropolitan area; and to provide reduced and free tennis lessons at the St. Johns Racquet Center and summer tennis camp sites. On-going partnerships with the USTA, USTA/PNW, Portland Parks and Recreation, P.A.S.T. and Tennis 1-2-3 enhance outreach to local children. Kids N' Tennis has also collaborated with the Hoover Family Foundation, the Black United Fund, Self Enhancement Inc., Java Jacket, Leatherman Tools and other local, regional and national programs and businesses to bring quality recreational and educational programming and mentoring to participants. This prestigious award recognizes the works of Don Johnson, Andre St. James, volunteers, parents, and participants. It brings great honor to Portland and the State of Oregon. Kids N' Tennis founders Don Johnson and Andre St. James are nationally-recognized tennis professionals who are consulted by programs from around the nation for their expertise in the start-up and operation of tennis programs benefiting low-income and disadvantaged children. Kids N' Tennis was also awarded the USTA/PNW Section 1998 Outstanding Program Award, the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation & Dance 1995 Ethnic Minorities Council Community Service Award. Don and Andre have received several local community service awards for work with Kids N' Tennis including the 2001 Snow Bunny Lodge Award for Service (affiliated with the Commercial Club of Portland). For further information contact:
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