Missouri Valley / Heart Of America

Local NJTL Chapter Enjoys Free Screening of 'King Richard'

December 20, 2021

Christmas came early for two local National Junior Tennis & Learning (NJTL) chapters. As part of a partnership between the United States Tennis Association and Warner Brothers, the Stephanie Waterman Foundation (SWF) in Kansas City, Mo. and the Genesis Foundation for Fitness & Tennis (GFFT) in Wichita, Kan. had the opportunity to attend private screenings of “King Richard”, the film about the rise of Venus and Serena Williams.

Kansas City was one of 30 markets across the country that was selected to host a screening of the movie. The USTA supplied the tickets to each of the chapters and allowed the kids to bring one guest each if they wanted. The goal was to allow each child to share the experience with someone who is an inspiration to them.

 

This movie viewing was a special experience for all parties involved as it helped strengthen the tennis bond for these young players. It also allowed them to get an inside look into two of the greatest tennis players of all time. Scott Hanover, Executive Director of the Stephanie Waterman Foundation and USTA Missouri Valley Hall of Fame member, was on hand to facilitate the event and share the experience with the kids he works with.

The Stephanie Waterman Foundation was founded in 1987 by Jennifer Waterman and her husband Jerry in memory of their daughter, Stephanie. The foundation’s mission is to use tennis to help underserved communities and provide a positive learning environment for children. The non-profit organization serves children aged 8 to 18 in the Kansas City metro area, with a special focus on ten and under programming. Please click here to see SWF’s full Facebook album from the event. 

 

For more information about "King Richard," visit kingrichardfilm.com, and the USTA Foundation and the NJTL network at ustafoundation.com.

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