Central Indiana Tennis Association (CITA) is pleased to announce a new community partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana (BBBSCI), launching on Saturday, May 20, 2017. In concert with its mission of promoting and developing the growth of tennis, CITA will provide a fun play day with approximately 35 adult and youth pairs, taking over the courts at Tarkington Park, located at West 40th and Illinois Streets in midtown Indianapolis.
BBBSCI makes meaningful, monitored pairings between adult volunteers (“Bigs”) and children (“Littles”), ages 8 through 18, developing positive relationships that have a direct and lasting effect on the lives of young people. With assistance from United States Tennis Association (USTA) Midwest Section and National Junior Tennis League (NJTL) of Indianapolis, CITA will conduct a two-hour introductory session to the sport of tennis for area BBBSCI participants.
“Our board and staff actively seek opportunities, such as this partnership with BBBSCI, to introduce adults and youth to the sport of tennis,” said Ginger Gilles, board chairwoman of CITA. “It is our goal to not only provide a fun activity for “Bigs” and “Littles” on May 20, but also to provide them with opportunities to participate in the sport of tennis beyond the single-day activity.”
There are many proven benefits to participating in tennis, including improved aerobic health, boosting brain power and improved social skills (Source: Dr. John Ratey, Harvard Medical School).
Between 10 a.m. and Noon, “Bigs” and “Littles” will participate in warm up activities, tennis instruction and fun, non-competitive play, administered by USTA Midwest staff and NJTL Indianapolis volunteers. The participants will also receive racquets, balls, t-shirts and lunch, provided by generous support from the Illinois Street Food Emporium, Just Pop In Gourmet Popcorn & Gifts, and the CITA Foundation.
About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana will serve 1,100 youth this year by proving them with mentors (Bigs). BBBSCI partners with parents, guardians, volunteers, schools, donors, and others in the community to be accountable for helping youth in our program achieve higher aspirations, greater confidence, educational success, and avoidance of risky behaviors. An affiliate of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America and a United Way partner, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana is a non-profit organization that provides children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally supported 1-to-1 relationships that change their lives for the better, forever. To volunteer, donate or for more information, visit www.bebigforkids.org or call (317) 921-2201.
About the Central Indiana Tennis Association:
The mission of the Central Indiana Tennis Association is to promote and develop the growth of tennis. For more information, visit www.CentralIndiana.USTA.com.
About USTA Midwest:
The mission of USTA Midwest is to promote, develop and service the game of tennis. For more information, visit www.midwest.usta.com.
About the NJTL of Indianapolis:
The mission of NJTL is to help develop the character of young people through tennis, life skills, educational enrichment and healthy living choices. For more information, visit www.indynjtl.org.