Kids’ Day events to take place during Wichita Tennis Open

It’s a primary mission of USTA Kansas to offer tennis to anyone who wants to try the sport. That’s why we are thrilled to announce USTA Kansas is set to host a special Kids’ Day event on June 14. The event is for children who participate in Vagabond Missions programs and will take place in conjunction with the 2024 Wichita Tennis Open.

Vagabond Missions partners with neighborhood churches to serve teens in urban and inner-city communities through weekly programs, outreach, personal mentorship and donated meals. The organization has served the Wichita community since 2016.

The Kids’ Day event—which is scheduled to take place from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Wichita State University—will host about 50 teens with Vagabond Missions. All participants will have the opportunity to give tennis a try. Tennis sessions will be led by community volunteers as well as National Junior Tennis and Learning (NJTL) leaders who work the McAdams Park tennis programs.

“All of the volunteers and vendors at this event are giving of their time and resources to make this opportunity available, because they want the teens to not only enjoy this day but to connect themselves to opportunities that will best serve them and their futures,” said Jaren Glaser, USTA Kansas tennis service representative and diversity & inclusion manager for the USTA Missouri Valley. “Vagabond Missions and McAdams NJTL have been connected, and kids from Vagabond will be taken to attend free lessons at McAdams this summer and beyond.”

Attendees will also have a chance to watch Wichita Tennis Open Men’s Pro Circuit matches, as that tournament runs June 9-16 while the Women’s Pro Circuit tourney occurs June 16-23. Kids’ Day participants will be able to chat with players and tournament staff, play yard games and enjoy light refreshments.

The teens will also go on campus tours guided by Wichita State University staff in which they will get a glimpse into life on a university campus. Another fun aspect of the event is the opportunity for attendees to learn about careers in Esports and play reaction, time-based games in the WSU Esports Lab, which is being led by subject-matter experts in the field. At the end of this fun-filled day, the teens will be provided warm meals to take home.

“This day is so special because it’s an opportunity for the teens to try news things and to envision what their futures could look like,” Glaser said. “I am always truly astounded by the generosity and compassion of everyone involved in this day. Volunteers and businesses give their time, talent and resources to provide an incredible experience for the kids.

“I truly enjoy organizing this event because I feel like we not only provide excitement for the sport and the overall health of the kids, but I also work to make sure they’re connected to a program pathway to continue their tennis journeys if they choose to do so.”

Glaser plans to offer another Kids’ Day that is open to the public during the Pro Circuit women’s event. Mark your calendars for June 18 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. if your child is interested in giving tennis a try!

Dinner will be provided for participating children and their families. This event is free and open to all kids. Children from the McAdams NJTL will also be in attendance. For more information or to register to attend, contact Glaser at glaser@movalley.usta.com.