Missouri Valley / Oklahoma

Oklahoma Tennis Foundation Kicking Off Summer Outreach with Free Hall of Fame Tennis Clinics

Casey McKenzie | June 06, 2023


The Oklahoma Tennis Foundation (OKTF) has set off on a high note with their free youth tennis clinic, which took place last week in Henryetta. The event was a tremendous success, thanks to the hard work and dedication of numerous volunteers who generously offered their time and expertise to ensure a well-run clinic. 

 

A big driving force behind the success of OKTF and these recent clinics is Carmen Bond, the Executive Director of the Foundation. Carmen Bond is always expressing her appreciation for the Foundation’s dedicated volunteers. Bond emphasizes that OKTF’s ability to positively influence the lives of young tennis players in the community would not have been possible without the unwavering support of these committed individuals.

 

The clinic in Henryetta brought together 45 enthusiastic kids and 30 dedicated coach volunteers. This impressive turnout allowed the OKTF to make a substantial impact, reaching three counties in Oklahoma: Okmulgee, Delaware, and Tulsa. If anyone is interested in contributing to the free outreach tennis clinics in the future, please reach out to Carmen Bond. 

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A special shout out goes to James and Connie McCullough, who played a vital role in setting up and hosting the clinic. Their assistance and hospitality as hosts were instrumental in making the event run smoothly and ensuring its success. Carolyn Richmond and Shannon Dowdell had essential roles with their outstanding work in managing the check-in process, distributing t-shirts and bags, and ensuring that the participants had snacks readily available. Their attention to detail and efficiency played a significant role in creating a positive experience for everyone involved. Patrick Doughty and the generosity of Proforma CNR Marketing provided the clinic participants with t-shirts and cinch bags, enhancing the experience and creating a sense of unity among the young participants.

One of the highlights of the clinic was having the esteemed Mark Johnson, an Oklahoma Tennis Hall of Famer and a prominent figure in Henryetta, leading a team of exceptional leaders. The team consisted of dedicated OKTF board members, volunteers, and fellow Hall of Famers, the list included: Paul Lockwood, Bill Nelson, Vance McSpadden, Skip Griese, Coach Mike Kennedy, Stan Swyden, Ky Nichols, Becky Riggs, and Janet Bryant. Their collective effort, whether it was providing on-court instruction or offering sideline support, greatly contributed to the success of the clinic.

 

The OKTF's commitment to youth tennis extends beyond Henryetta. They are proud to partner with and sponsor the North American Indian Tennis Association (NAITA), and they are grateful for the outreach work carried out by NAITA over the weekend. Lafortune Park in Tulsa served as the venue for the NAITA kids' clinic, where 75 children had the opportunity to learn and develop a lifelong passion for tennis. The OKTF commends NAITA, Coach Tony Mullican, and Lafortune Tennis for their dedication to spreading the love of the sport.

 

Looking ahead, the OKTF has an exciting lineup of clinics scheduled for the next three weeks. Bartlesville, Ada, and Duncan will play host to these upcoming clinics, offering even more young players the chance to engage with and fall in love with the sport of tennis.

 

The Oklahoma Tennis Foundation is making significant strides in their mission to promote youth tennis across the state. Through their tireless efforts and the support of volunteers and sponsors, they are creating valuable opportunities for young players to develop their skills and discover the joy of tennis. Please follow them on social media or go to their website to learn more & get involved!

 

We Start With LOVE 

 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oktennisfoundation

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oktennisfoundation_/

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