5. Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day 2006
Besides drawing a huge audience of diverse children and families, this year’s entertainment was the most culturally diverse ever!
Click here to read more about Arthur Ashe Kids' Day.
4. USTA NJTL Summer Leadership Camp
Held in San Diego, the USTA NJTL Summer Leadership Camp boasted participation that was more than 75 percent multicultural. The camp provides students across the country an opportunity to gain tennis instruction while participating in leadership activities. Students are hand picked by NJTL coaches and must rank above a 3.0 NTRP rating.
3. Semi-Annual Meeting 2006 Opening Session
For the first time, the USTA’s Opening Session focused on diversity within the USTA: Where the organization began, where it is now, and the future of diversity and inclusion in the years ahead.
President and Chairman of the Board Franklin Johnson, Billie Jean King and Chief Diversity Officer Karlyn Lothery, among others, recounted the history of diversity, its highlights and the focus areas for tomorrow.
2. US Open Wheelchair Tennis CompetitionThe stakes were higher than they ever as 15 competitors played for a $50,000 purse, increased from $15,000 in past years.
This year’s wheelchair competition garnered national attention for the sport and proved that differently abled athletes have much to contribute to the sport of tennis.
1. Opening Night at the US Open and the renaming of the USTA National Tennis Center in honor of Billie Jean King
The fireworks and fanfare ushered in the dawn of a new era. The USTA became a trailblazer, going where no other sports organization had dared to go before, lauding a woman with the highest honor possible. A crusader for justice and equal rights, Billie Jean King transcends tennis. Hence, it is no surprise the USTA would allow its beloved National Tennis Center to bear the name of such a legend. No night in US Open history could be as significant.
Click here to read more about the Opening Night Ceremonies honoring Billie Jean King.
USTA Diversity Statement
We, the United States Tennis Association, recognize diversity as essential to achieving our mission, “To Promote and Develop the Growth of Tennis.” For us, diversity refers to differences of culture, ethnicity, race, gender, age beliefs, religion, social and economic status, sexual orientation, family status, physical ability, appearance, and ideas/philosophies. We are committed to achieving greater diversity throughout the sport and fostering a tennis environment that is more inclusive.
