Missouri Valley / Kansas

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. Janet Glaser, USTA Kansas Junior Team Tennis Committee Chair, was on-site at the event to help facilitate. Janet is highly involved with junior tennis throughout Kansas.

GFFT is a 501c3 non-profit organization formed in 2006 by Genesis Health Clubs. It’s mission is to improve the lives of people through physical activity. GFFT serves a four-county area in Kansas and specifically focuses on underserved communities. The executive director, DeAnn White, received USTA Missouri Valley’s 2021 Outstanding Diversity Achievement Award. You can read about that here.

 

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

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