Guest Author - Sandra Eggers

If you're a tennis player, you know how much fun it is to play tennis, and at the same time, to get a good aerobic workout. Tennis is also a great activity for kids and families, which is why the USTA is sponsoring National Tennis Month with activities scheduled for nearly every day in the month of May. Not only is this a good opportunity to introduce the sport of tennis as a family sport, but the national program also uses this time to focus on positive activities for families.

In a united effort to support the growth of tennis, communities throughout the country will host tennis activities, including festivals, clinics and tournaments, during the month of May. Events include on and off court games for players of all ages and skill levels. This year, nearly 200 communities across the country will celebrate tennis at the local level.

Organizers of the grassroots tennis program estimate that tens of thousands of Americans will take up tennis during the National Tennis Month in May, and discover the fun and healthy benefits of the sport. Communities with participating programs include San Diego, Houston, Honolulu, Boise, Denver, Phoenix, Buffalo, Cincinnati, Chattanooga, Tampa and many more.

There are numerous activities being held in support of National Tennis Month throughout the country. Check out the USTA website for a complete list of events and venues.

New this year are USTA Tennis Block Parties. Hosted at public park facilities, Tennis Block Parties feature a whole lot of tennis including three hours of instruction, interacive games, and attractions for everyone. This is a great opportunity to learn and enjoy the benefits of tennis.

USA Tennis Month was initiated in 1998 to support the USA Tennis Plan for Growth and to increase awareness of the sport of tennis. This $50 million initiative is supported by the entire tennis industry who has aggressively marketed the sport to attract new players.

The USTA has more than 600,000 members. More than 308,000 new players were introduced to tennis in 2000 through the USA Tennis 1-2-3 program. 110 communities across the US will receive grants this year to increase participation in USA Tennis programs. There are 400,000 participants in USA League tennis nationwide.

Have fun on the courts!