Texas Tennis Open Announces Community Program For Kids
The 2011 Texas Tennis Open, which will feature many of today’s top WTA professional tennis stars announced today that it is launching a free tennis program in the Metroplex, 10,000 Kids in 10 Days, during the duration of the tournament, which runs from August 20-27.
The inaugural event, which is part of the WTA, is considered an ‘International Level’ tournament with prize money of $220,000, and features a singles draw of 32 players and a doubles draw of 16 teams. The tournament, which will play host to an international field of players, will take place at the Hilton DFW Lakes Hotel in Grapevine, Texas.
“The primary goals of this tournament have always been to bring top-level international professional tennis back to the Metroplex, while giving back to the community,” said Chris Giordano, Texas Tennis Open Tournament Director. “By launching this program, which is the largest of its kind, we believe we are helping provide kids with an exercise opportunity that they can use the rest of their lives,” he added.
The 10,000 Kids in 10 Days program will utilize several formats of play and multiple locations across the Metroplex. Working through a variety of locations – parks, schools, clubs, corporate campuses and public venues, the program will leverage local pros and tour athletes in regular formats for older kids, 10 and Under Tennis, and Teddy Tennis for players from age 3-5.
“I’m not aware of another event in the country that will provide tennis exposure of this
magnitude to children,” added Giordano. “It’s important for us to introduce tennis to these children as we try to help them build a healthy lifestyle and exercise interests at a young age,” he added.
The Cleveland Clinic indicates that playing tennis on a regular basis can help maintain or improve balance, mobility, agility, strength and fitness. It also helps burn calories.
According to the Miller Family Heart & Vascular Institute exercise physiologist and avid tennis player Gordon Blackburn, Ph.D., research shows that three hours of moderate aerobic exercise every week can cut the risk of developing heart disease by 50 percent.
“Playing tennis at a moderate to vigorous intensity on a regular basis,” says Dr. Blackburn, “is a good way to get your aerobic exercise. You’ll exercise your muscles and burn calories. Tennis can even help lower your blood pressure. All of that helps reduce your risk of developing heart disease or of having a cardiovascular event, such as a heart attack or stroke.”
About the Texas Tennis Open
The Texas Tennis Open, an International level Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) event offering $220,000 in prize money, will feature a 32-player singles draw and a 16-team doubles draw in 2011. The inaugural event will be held one week prior to the prestigious US Open, and will feature an outstanding field of international players ranked in the top 75 in the world. For more information about the Texas Tennis Open go to the tournament’s website at TexasTennisOpen.com or follow the tournament on Twitter or Facebook.
