By E.J. Crawford, USTAFoundation.com
The USTA and the National Park Foundation have plenty of similar interests: an investment in youth, family, fitness and creating spaces and activities that can thrive for a lifetime. Now the two organizations are teaming up to celebrate an enduring Washington, D.C., tradition in one of the most famous green spaces in the world: the South Lawn of the White House.
The USTA and its charitable entity, the USTA Foundation, will be contributing to the National Park Foundation, the official charity of America’s national parks, to support the 2016 White House Easter Egg Roll at President’s Park on the South Lawn.
The USTA has been a regular presence at the annual White House Easter Egg Roll, making an appearance each year since 2010 to roll out youth tennis courts and stage demonstrations that have attracted kids of all ages – not to mention President Barack Obama and tennis stars such as Chris Evert, Billie Jean King, Sam Querrey and Andy Roddick, among others.
Once again in 2016, the USTA will create a youth tennis space to offer families and kids of all ages and skill levels the opportunity to try tennis in support of First Lady Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move!” initiative. Throughout the day, USTA executives and staff, as well as current and former pros, will be working with children via on-court youth tennis activities.
The following are scheduled to make appearances during the 2016 event: USTA Chairman of the Board, CEO and President Katrina Adams; USTA Foundation Chairman and former world No. 4 James Blake; current world No. 22 and USTA Foundation Player & Celebrity Advisory Council member Sloane Stephens; former Top 10 player and current USTA board member Chanda Rubin; 2015 NCAA men’s singles champion Ryan Shane; and Top 100 women’s player Shelby Rogers.
The theme of this year’s Easter Egg Roll is “Let’s Celebrate.” The event will feature live music, sport courts, cooking stations, storytelling, Easter egg rolling and the first-ever White House Fun Run.