Tennis Racquets for Kids Brings Smiles to Roosevelt

On July 22, 2009, Tennis Racquets for Kids Inc, collaborated with Nassau County and the USTA to introduce tennis to various parks throughout Nassau County. This initiative was part of the Quick Start Tennis Program.

Tennis Racquets for Kids Inc., a non profit organization, donated over 150 tennis racquets to children for this program. The majority of the racquets were donated to children at Centennial Park in Roosevelt, New York. While only 40 children were expected to attend, well over 130 children came to the program. The tennis charity was prepared for extra attendance, but still had go back to their storage facility to accommodate the super turnout.

Zachary and Paige Mintz founders of the organization, led the program at Centennial Park. Not only did they distribute racquets but put on a clinic for two hours. During the clinic they taught the children strokes and introduced the children to the game of tennis. The children ranged in age from 5 to 15 years and most had never played tennis. Excitement filled the morning as many children realized they could hit balls back against these two USTA players.

At the end of the clinic, two young girls approached Paige and Zachary. They said, "thank you for letting us use the racquets" and gave them back. You could not imagine the smiles and hugs when these two girls were told that these racquets were now theirs. It did not matter whether these racquets were Head, Wilson, Babolat or Prince. They were a gift to children who really appreciated the opportunity to experience the game of tennis.

Emily Moore, founder and director of Alliance Junior Tennis, had two groups in attendance. " I have been involved in tennis for over 40 years and have never found an organization like this. Tennis Racquets For Kids is exactly the type of organization we need; kids giving back to kids; caring and giving all kids a chance to play tennis by supplying them with racquets and encouragement."

Tennis Racquets for Kids has been invited back to Centennial Park to continue their mission to bring the game of tennis to all children.

Donations of used racquets can be sent to Tennis Racquets for Kids Inc., or brought to convenient drop off locations.