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WHITE PLAINS, N.Y., January 13, 2010 – The USTA announced today that the Lee County (Fla.) Community Tennis Association has been selected as the 2009 National Community Tennis Association of the Year. It will be honored before more than 600 community tennis leaders during the annual USTA Community Tennis Development Workshop held January 22-24, 2010 at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina in San Diego, Calif.
The Lee County Community Tennis Association (LCCTA) is a nonprofit, volunteer-based tennis organization that was established in 1995 by local tennis professionals for the sole purpose of offering safe after-school tennis programs for latch-key kids in Lee County. It has since expanded its services to include numerous tennis programs for kids of all ages and ability levels. Located in Southwest Florida, the LCCTA and Lee County Parks and Recreation continue a successful partnership that develops and manages tennis programs at all Lee County public tennis courts, with a mission to promote the growth of tennis. Boasting a membership of more than 1,000, the LCCTA has a detailed plan of action in place to ultimately become a tennis destination for residents and visitors as well as state and nationally ranked players.
Accessible and affordable classes, partnerships and innovative programming have been the cornerstones of the organization’s success. The LCCTA administers First Serve, a grant program that provides tennis instruction, homework assistance, nutritional education, computers and mentoring for at-risk youth in the county. Additionally, LCCTA offers free weekly classes for USA Tennis Special Populations and wheelchair tennis at Rutenberg Park, while more than 400 students participate in classes and matches as part of the programming.
"The work of the LCCTA is truly a team effort with vital contributions from dedicated volunteers and community organizers," said Harriett Bohannon, President, LCCTA. "This recognition from the USTA encourages us to continue building the program to be the best it can be."
"The LCCTA is a role model for other CTA’s across the nation," said Kurt Kamperman, Chief Executive, Community Tennis, USTA. "Their passion for tennis and commitment to growing the game in their community has positively impacted thousands. We are proud to honor the organization’s leaders and countless volunteers with the 2009 Community Tennis Association of the Year Award."