Prince Gives Back to New York City

Fun, Tennis and Celebrities, all courtesy of Prince. On August 30th, the day before the US Open, in collaboration with the City Parks Foundation, Prince Tennis put on an exhibition of top tennis professionals at the Central Park public courts. This was free, and open to the public. With the charismatic Wayne Bryan as the master of ceremonies, professionals such as Gael Monfils, Sam Querry, John Isner, Mike and Bob Bryan,and Stan Smith put on various exhibitions and drills. Seeing the Bryan brothers going in opposite directions while hitting paced volleys 70 consecutive times was unbelievable!! Having the players holding hands and playing points was another big favorite for the crowd. The players also got to show some of their personalities when Wayne invited them to dance to the music-it was tie between Monfils and Querrey for most latent talent. Famous coaches such as Paul Annacone were also there to offer their in put and expertise.

It was interesting to hear the various players talk about their Prince racquets. With the EXO3 technology allowing for better play. Prince also provided numerous tennis professionals to hit with the kids on the other courts. Besides a few pointers, the hundreds of children were able to get autographs, tee shirts, and to be close to some of their tennis idols. Speaking of idols, there was a live musical performance from American Idol season 7 finalist, Michael Johns. He is also a big tennis fan. He was really personable signing autographs and taking pictures with the children.

In a time of cutbacks, Prince once again led the way in giving back to the fans,especially the children, by helping support the City Parks Foundation, by providing this up close and personal event. We look forward to next years plans.

Tennis Racquets for Kids is a non profit tennis charity dedicated to providing racquets to underprivileged children and introducing the game of tennis to those children who would not have the opportunity to experience the game. We salute Prince and the City Parks Foundation for helping to further this effort!

Serena Williams Disappoints Children

It was difficult to get tickets to the semi-final match between Serena Williams and Kim Clijsters, but it was more difficult to explain to the children Serena's inappropriate behavior!

Serena had not lost a set in her earlier matches, but it was evident early on that she could not handle the consistent deep shots and angles of Clijsters. For the first time in this US Open, Serena was not dictating the match. Clijsters broke her to take the first set 6-4. Serena's frustation was evident as she flipped her racquet and then smashed it at the end of the set. Serena received a code violation. She clearly had started to lose her focus.

Serena played better in the second set, but was never truly in command. She was trailing 6-5 and was serving. She fell behind 15-30, and then the bottom fell out. She faulted on her first serve and then was called for a foot fault to lose the point and make the score 15-40. Mt. Serena then erupted. She turned to the lineswoman and threatened to shove the ball down her throat with a few other colorful words which were caught on the microphone. Not only was she verbally abusing this poor official, but at the same time was shaking her racquet in a menacing way. After she had finished her first attack, she returned to the baseline to serve, but was distracted by the official returning from the chair umpire. At this point, she again screamed at the lineswoman with more colorful language. Tournament referee Brian Earley came onto the court, and gave Serena her second code violation which cost her a point, which was match point.

Kim Clijsters had no idea what was happening as Serena crossed the net to congratulate her. Clijsters had a look of bewilderment as she sat in her chair waiting to be interviewed. Serena William's embarassing behavior took away from the excellent play of Clijsters and her well deserved victory.

There are no excuses for Serena's behavior!! Bad calls are part of all sports and the true champions, the true professionals are able to rise above these obstacles. Earlier in the week, I witnessed a dubious foot fault called against Serena Williams. She handled this call by staring down the official without any verbage or threatening mannerisms. This also is not acceptable behavior, but a better choice of action than she exhibited against Clijsters.

What is an appropriate penalty? In basketball two technicals and you are thrown out of the game; in baseball argue with the umpire too vigorously, and you are thrown out of the game. Why should tennis be any different? She should have been immediately disqualified. She received $10,500.00 dollars in fines, about 3% of her winnings. Is that enough?

Anyone can have a meltdown. The frustation of not playing well, the pressure of being expected to win and then a bad call- all the ingredients for an explosion-BANG! However Serena had a bigger problem- Hubris. She could not accept responsibility for her actions and apologize. She did not apologize at her press conference after the match or the following day. All she could muster was that John McEnroe was one of her heroes, as if to wash away this hideous outburst by drawing comparisons to someone else known for abusing officials. Even McEnroe the commentator was at an immediate lose of words. There are no excuses. She then said that after gaining her composure, " in the heat of battle I let my passion and emotion get the better of me, and as a result, I handled the situation poorly. I would like to thank my fans for understanding I am human and look forward to continuing my journey, both professionally and personally."

Yes Serena you are human. We can understand that. What we cannot understand is why you did not apologize to this official immediately. Why did it take 3 days to begrudingly offer this official any apology?? We can all lose a match and recover our standings, but we cannot lose our dignity and walk away carefree. You have damaged yourself and have disappointed everyone!!

Tennis Racquets For Kids Brings Smiles to Queens

Tennis Racquets for Kids teamed up with the City Parks Foundation (CPF) on August 17th, 2009, to bring tennis to Corona Park in Flushing Meadow. The non profit tennis charity donated close to 100 racquets to kids from age 8 to 15. A tennis clinic was also conducted by Tennis Racquets for Kids, featuring Zachary Mintz, Paige Mintz, and Michael Lem. Zachary and Michael spoke to to the kids before the clinic began explaining to them that these racquets are an opportunity for them to learn and play the game of tennis, but also represent a responsibilty for them to pass these racquets on to others when they outgrow them, and give other children the same opportunity.The racquets and clinic were greatly appreciated by the children and their families. The free racquets were a surprise and acknowledged with hugs, smiles and high fives! By collecting used tennis racquets," recycling them", Tennis Racquets for Kids has brought smiles to hundreds of kids this summer. Many are dreaming about one day playing in the US Open in the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.



The City Parks Foundation of New York is an excellent partner sharing the same ideals and goals as Tennis Racquets for Kids. It is the only independent, non profit organization to offer park programs throughout the five boroughs of New York City. Their programs and community building initiatives reach more than 600,000 New Yorkers each year. We are honored to be working with this organization and are planning more activities in the future.



We are still collecting racquets are various donation sites and appreciate those people who have sent us racquets directly. The racquets in your basement or garage are opportunity to bring a small amout of happiness to others. Whether you have Prince, Wilson,Babolat, Head, or Yonex tennis racquets the same smiles and hugs from the kids receiving them will apply. Donate for the LOVE of the Game!!

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.

QUICK NEWS:

Serena got to meet President Obama and his family in the White House. The President complimented Serena's shoes and that seems to be the media highlight of the occasion

Federer and Mirka had twin girls! Myla Rose and Charlene Riva Federer were born last night

Nadal's parents are reportedly getting a divorce

Natalie Dechy is pregnant at 30 and retires from pro tennis with 1 career title behind her belt

Roddick is still recovering from his Wimbledon loss and hasn't appeared in any US Open series events

Ivanovic is still focusing on golfer Adam Scott

Novak Djockovic appears to be on a honeymoon type vacation with long time girlfriend

Maria Sharapova claims to be back "100 %" but still spends a lot of time off the court promoting an array of new and old brands

Wimbledon Recap

This year's Wimbledon lived up to its expectations of bringing us great tennis, new records, repeat champions, American hope and once again a men's final for the history books.

The first question on everybody's minds should be, is Roger Federer human? 15 slams makes him a living tennis legend and he is only in his late 20's! With unparalleled class on the court and off, a crisp sense of style and execution, an x-ray vision for winners from any part of the court, and a fit body to play a 7 set final after 2 weeks of tennis and a French Open championship...the question remains the same. The other question is, does being a newly wed help your chances at Wimbledon? As you know, both Federer and Roddick are such. Federer beat A-Rod, 5-7 7-6 (8-6) 7-6 (7-5) 3-6 16-14 in four hours and 16 minutes of service holds. Roddick had a great run of course. With his huge serve that even the King of Tennis couldn't decipher and 140 mph swings that dismissed the draw all the way into the finals, it was hard to feel overjoyed for Federer without feeling quite sad for Roddick. His efforts are no doubt proof of the fact that he has improved, and his hard work is paying off. His post match remarks also marked a funny but more mature Roddick holding back on his sometimes offensive remarks. It is a great result, and hopefully the devastating fact of having been so close to winning, and leaving your heart out on the court and still coming up short, won't stall his career further, mentally that is. Roddick did play two back to back matches of his life, serving huge and ripping inside out forehand winners, leaving Britain without an Andy Murray. Murray will also get there someday, it is a matter of time. Cheers for Tommy Haas as well, a veteran by today's standards, making it to the semis. For now, the top of the ATP is looking good, pinaccled by once again #1 Roger Federer. For now, we wait for the return of Rafa, hopefully by the Us Open, to stop Federer from his quest of tennis world domination =)

On the women's side, the sister's showed their world dominance yet again. This time, Serena coming on top and beating Venus. Serena made that her 3rd Wimbledon, preventing Venus from claiming her 6th, winning 7-6, 6-2. However, the sisters teamed up as usual to steamroll through doubles. It has become hard to keep track of how many titles they both have, and they too, are so young still. Russians, Safina and Dementieva were so close to an all Russian final, but the dominant game style of the William's sisters on grass is a tough one to get through, especially since they are both past champions, a place where neither Russian has been just yet. There were plenty of young surprises on the women's side. Teenager, Melanie Oudin, made it to the rd. 16 by taking out Jankovic. Her result next to Roddick's gives American tennis new hope for future titles. Radwanska, Lisicki and Azarenka all heading the young generation on tour got to the quarterfinals respectively.

In the juniors, Andrey Kuznetsov of Russia beat Jordan Cox of the US in three sets. Two points for Russia and the US in junior development. On the girl's side, Noppawan Lertcheewakarn of Thailand beat the 1 seed, France's Kristina Mladenovic, also in three sets.

Check out the official site for interviews, scores, junior and mixed results and photos!

Goodbye, too young too soon

This was a hard week to say goodbye to some special people who are gone before their time.

It goes without saying how much Michael Jackson has done for the world in terms of children's foundations, breaking down of racial barriers, world peace, dance and music. The King of Pop, died at the age of 50 on June 25th. His memorial service was broadcast live this week and was watched by a billion people. Quoting online Stevie Wonder, Lionel Richie, Mariah Carey, Jennifer Hudson, Usher, Jermaine Jackson, and Shaheen Jafargholi sang Jackson's songs. Berry Gordy and Smokey Robinson gave eulogies, while Queen Latifah read, "We had him," a poem written for the occasion by Maya Angelou. The Reverend Al Sharpton won a standing ovation when he told Jackson's children, "There wasn't nothing strange about your daddy. It was strange was what your daddy had to deal with."Jackson's 11-year-old daughter, Paris Katherine, cried as she told the crowd, "Ever since I was born, Daddy has been the best father you could ever imagine ... I just wanted to say I love him so much."

RIP MJ

The tennis world also recieved its share of shocking news on July 6th, when Mathieu Montcourt was found dead behind his door in his Paris apartment, reportedly of cardiac arrest. Mathieu was one of the most talented French juniors, and was ranked as high as 109 ATP, really just starting his professional career. He had lost to Radek Stepanek second round of this year's French Open. He was a really talented and great guy, and only 24 years old. This is really devastating and a cruel reminder of how fragile life is.

RIP Mathieu


"The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, worry about the future, or anticipate troubles, but to live in the present moment wisely and earnestly." Buddha


http://likemylife.homestead.com/inspirationalquoteslivinglifetothefullest.html