Iowa tennis organizations receive National Tennis Month grants

A number of Iowa-based organizations earned grants for National Tennis Month, which takes place annually in May.

The University of Iowa Recreational Services used a grant to fund a Kids Tennis Festival in conjunction with the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union State Tennis Tournament. The Kids Tennis Festival was held May 25 and was free to attend. About 60 kids from 4 to 14 years old participated.

“We have eight indoor and 12 outdoor courts for the state tournament, and the festival was on our indoor turf area,” said Michele Conlon, who organized the event. “Kids participated in target hitting, rallying contests, agility stations, relay races and more.”

Conlon said University of Iowa Recreational Services used the grant money to cover staffing for the event and provided kids with bags, T-shirts and goodies.

“The idea behind this event is for our young kids to see the state high school meet, as those players are excellent role models for our younger players,” Conlon said.

The Bi-State Community Tennis Association (BSCTA) located in the Quad Cities area also received a National Tennis Month grant. BSCTA has helped lead organized summer tennis tournaments and grassroots tennis events for decades. After a brief period of inactivity, BSCTA has been resurrected to grow the game of tennis in the Quad Cities.

“As we reestablish our footing within the tennis community and the USTA, we’ve focused on ensuring continuity and access to tournaments both in more recreational and more competitive settings,” said John Feehan, BSCTA president.

The CTA spent its grant money to offset the fees of a Junior Smashers Tournament in May. BSCTA reduced entrance fees, provided pizza and snacks for the kids, and paid for on-court supervision.

“We’re excited to continue the momentum of the last year and a half and expand our reach back into adult tournaments and programming,” Feehan said.

Other Iowa organizations to receive National Tennis Month grants included North Dodge Athletic Club, Fairfield Tennis Association, City of Norwalk Parks and Recreation, Iowa Tennis 4U and CITA. To view events that occurred within USTA Iowa during the month of May for National Tennis Month, click here.