As part of the USTA School Tennis “Adopt-a-School” initiative, CTA’s that take QuickStart Tennis to local schools will be entitled to equipment packages that can be used for conducting class visits, QuickStart Tennis assemblies, and school tennis festivals. “We believe it is essential to leverage the strength and expertise of the CTA network to help us penetrate more schools and provide sustainable follow-up programs,” states Jason Jamison, National Manager for School Tennis. “There are several strong CTA’s, NJTL’s, and park systems that are already leading the charge in targeting schools with the QuickStart Tennis format and we want to replicate their success on a larger scale,” adds Jamison.

CTA’s that commit to taking QuickStart Tennis to local schools and incorporate play and team formats will receive a complete “Adopt-a-School” start-up package and equipment demonstration kit. The latest School Tennis curriculum with DVD will be provided to CTA’s at no charge, which shows how to introduce tennis to kids in non-traditional spaces such as gyms, playgrounds, parking lots, and even dirt fields. Additionally, an easy-to-follow script for conducting an interactive class visit, school assembly, and/or tennis festival is included to help get kids excited about tennis and connected to a CTA sponsored tennis program.

Be on the lookout for an e-mail invitation to participate in this exciting campaign.

"Racket Up, America!’ Offers Chance to Win $1 Million

New industry-wide promotion is designed to drive awareness of tennis and help stimulate the marketplace.

A new promotion by the tennis industry, designed to drive consumer awareness of tennis while helping to stimulate retail sales, will offer a once-in-a-lifetime chance for a lucky winner to serve for $1 million and win a trip for two to New York City.
            
In the unique event, called “Racket Up, America!”, anyone who buys a new tennis racket—of any brand, and at any tennis retailer or pro shop—through Sept. 30, 2009, could win the Grand Prize trip for two to New York City and a chance to serve for $1 million. The serve will take place at the “BNP Paribas Showdown for the Billie Jean King Cup” in New York’s Madison Square Garden on March 1, during Tennis Night in America. 
        
To be entered to win, simply register your racket purchase at http://million.playtennis.com. Other prizes include a trip for two to the 2010 US Open Men’s Singles and Women’s Doubles finals and 20 $500 tennis merchandise prize packs.
            
“‘Racket Up, America!’ is a collaborative effort by the tennis industry that we hope will generate excitement and interest in the sport and will continue to bring more people into the game, so they can enjoy all the benefits that tennis has to offer,” says Jon Muir, president of the Tennis Industry Association. 

How can you and your CTA help out in this promotion? Go to the “Racket Up, America!” partner site http://partners.playtennis.com and download free ads, fliers, web banners, press release and email templates, and more. Then get the word out to your CTA members and others in your community, through your website, fliers, articles in local papers, and more.
          
Thank you for your support. And “Racket Up, America!”