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USTA Foundation, Warner Bros. celebrate 'King Richard' with community events

November 10, 2021


The USTA Foundation and Warner Bros. are celebrating the wide release of the critically-acclaimed film "King Richard" with a series of community activations this week, including a youth tennis clinic at XS Tennis in Chicago with stars of the film on Nov. 10.

 

Two-time Oscar nominee Will Smith, who stars in the title role as Richard Williams, and Saniyya Sidney and Demi Singleton, who portray the young Venus and Serena Williams, respectively, will host a kids' clinic and meet-and-greet at the Chicago-based National Junior Tennis and Learning (NJTL) chapter, where participants previously attended an advanced screening of the film on Nov. 6. 

 

At the event, Smith will present all-inclusive year-round scholarships to rising stars of the XS Tennis program, covering the cost of monthly membership, summer camp and 1:1 coaching clinics.

 

The USTA Foundation is one of the scholarship’s donors, while XS Tennis, established in 2005 by Kamau Murray (pictured below, second from right, with executive directors and USTA Foundation staff), provides low-cost tennis and education programming to nearly 3,000 of Chicago's urban youth annually.

 

Murray, who coached American Sloane Stephens to the US Open title in 2017, grew up playing tennis on public courts in the city.

“An entire generation has been inspired by the enduring impact and triumphs of Venus and Serena Williams, two trailblazing champions whose lives and careers exemplify our mission that the powerful combination of tennis and education can change lives,” said Dan Faber, Executive Director, USTA Foundation.

 

“This movie will truly empower youth through their inspiring story that shows how with hard work, discipline and passion, anything is possible.” 

 

Additionally, the USTA Foundation worked with Warner Bros. to secure tickets to an advance screening of “King Richard” to NJTL chapters in 27 markets across the country. Each participant is encouraged to invite a parent, guardian or sibling to as their guest to the screening.

 

“King Richard” is slated for U.S. release on Nov. 19, both in theaters and on HBO Max via the Ad-Free plan.

 

The film chronicles the journey of him and his wife, Oracene (played by Aunjanue Ellis), as they guide Venus and Serena Williams on their path to changing the sport of tennis and the world forever. It will be available on HBO Max for 31 days from its theatrical release.


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

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