Local NJTL Chapters Enjoy Free Screenings of 'King Richard' Movie
This holiday season has been very merry and bright across USTA Missouri Valley. Four National Tennis & Learning (NJTL) chapters and one youth development organization had the opportunity to attend screenings of “King Richard”, the film about the rise of Venus and Serena Williams.
Two local National Junior Tennis & Learning (NJTL) chapters, as part of a partnership between the United States Tennis Association and Warner Brothers (Net Rushers in St. Louis, Mo and Creative Imajinations in Kansas City, Mo.) had the opportunity to attend early screenings of the film.
Kansas City & St. Louis were two of 30 markets across the country that were selected to host a pre 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.
Following the pre screenings, USTA Missouri Valley rented out theaters and supplied grant money for snacks at the movies to the chapters who did not have pre screenings in their areas. Some chapters selected weekend movie outings (McAdams Wichita, KS and First Serve, OKC) while others held tennis practice/went to the theatre as a mid week treat (First Serve Tulsa, Ok and Stephanie Waterman Foundation, Kansas City, Mo).
But all events had a very important commonality which was community. Participants, coaches, chapter leaders, families and mentors were in attendance to make these movie nights even more impactful.
The majority of these special showings had 40+ attendees while First Serve OKC had over 100 people attend the showing!
These movie screenings were special experiences for all parties involved as they helped strengthen the tennis bond for these young players. They also allowed them to get an inside look into two of the greatest tennis players of all time.
“The Net Rushers parents, players and coordinators were grateful for the opportunity to watch such an amazing family oriented movie, which displayed feelings of joy and happiness. The King Richard Movie was truly a compelling display of commitment, courage, self-confidence, perseverance, resilience, family love and respect. "A Must See Movie," and a wonderful family activity, said Mary Owens-Hudson, director of Net Rushers NJTL.
USTA Missouri Valley was proud to help young tennis players get excited about achieving their dreams through a transportive movie experience.
The future of tennis is in their rackets.
Please click here to see our Facebook gallery from all of the showings. 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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