Tennis event more than entertainment

From: Fort Worth Star Telegram, TX - 05 Feb 2003

By KATHLEEN OBRIEN
Star-Telegram Staff Writer

Simon Greul thought he had a good week at the U.S. Tennis Association's Men's Challenger in Dallas. He went home as the singles champion, which boosted him 28 spots in the ATP Tour rankings to No. 184 in the world.

But Greul, a 21-year-old from Germany, won't see as much benefit from the tournament as the youngsters who receive funding from the Challenger proceeds. The Dallas Tennis Association was the major beneficiary of the event last week at the T Bar M Racquet Club.

The Dallas Tennis Association sponsors several tennis programs for area youths and adults. The USA After School Tennis program for hearing-impaired children provides tennis instruction at regional schools for the deaf. The Multicultural Tennis Program, with centers in Dallas and Flower Mound, links Spanish-speaking tennis pros with Spanish-speaking children and adults, and provides free lessons.

Its National Junior Tennis League offers at-risk children free transportation to tennis centers, equipment and awards for outstanding play and sportsmanship.

The association also offers an after school program.

For more information on the Dallas Tennis Association and its programs, go to www.usta.com or call executive director Tina Anderson at (972) 387-1538.

Information on the Arlington Tennis Association is available through the USTA Web site.

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