Dwight Davis Hosts Community Events

“Some of the kids don’t have that goal to go to college. But once they meet a college player they’ll be like, ‘Oh, wow, this is amazing.’ One of the goals was to make sure kids get an opportunity. And not just playing tennis in their homes. But through colleges and college players, get that motivation.”

Mushonga noted Stuckey typically helps out with Net Rushers’ free tennis programming during the summer months. Net Rushers and Stuckey had previously discussed coordinating an event involving SLU’s tennis players. The timing was right to finally make that a reality.

“I appreciate Justin and what he has been doing for the community,” Mushonga said. “Providing this opportunity for kids was amazing. We are looking forward to doing more of these community events. And, of course, Mary Owens-Hudson (Net Rushers VP/coordinator of junior programming) for pushing every day to give these kids opportunities. Every year she tries something new with these kids.”

While Campus Kids Day was rolling along, stage setup began for the fifth-annual FestAbility event in a neighboring parking lot. FestAbility typically has taken place at the Missouri History Museum, but ongoing renovation of that facility forced organizers to pivot this year. They reached out to Kelly about Dwight Davis hosting, and she excitedly agreed.

“They were really happy with our location,” Kelly said. “Everything went great. Even though next year I think the main stage will go back to the History Museum, they want to continue to have adaptive sports at Dwight on that day and maybe some other things. Now that we’ve established this relationship, we’ll get a little broader in having more options so it draws the participants. It was nice for everyone who came to see our tennis and pickleball facility.”

The event’s festivities included speakers and performers on the main stage, vendor booths, food trucks and adaptive sports. The headliner was Tony award-winning singer/actress Ali Stroker, the first individual who uses a wheelchair to appear on a Broadway stage.

“FestAbility was a next step,” Kelly said. “We didn’t know what to expect because this was a new thing, but it’s definitely something to build on. We’ll continue to look for groups and outreach and to look for ways to have them involved at Dwight. It was just a really beautiful day.”