Big West Conference Championships At IWTG
Six-time Big West champ Long Beach State will look to capture yet another conference title April 16-19 at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. After eight straight wins, the 49ers dropped a 4-3 decision to Nevada. Attendance at the event is free.
NJTL Coachella Valley Chapter Continues To Flourish
The National Junior Tennis League (NJTL), founded in ‘68 by Arthur Ashe, Charlie Pasarell and Sheridan Snyder, is a non-profit organization that reaches out to children through recreational tennis programs to help promote the positive attributes of sportsmanship, self-esteem and fitness.
The Coachella Valley chapter, which has been in existence for 13 years, has grown from its humble beginnings to have an incredible impact on the youth in the area. Here are just a few of the many accomplishments of this program:
• More than 1,000 tennis rackets have been given to children to encourage their participation in the lifetime sport of tennis and more than 1,000 are on hand to be given away thanks to Advanta Corporation and the City of Indian Wells.
• 16 courts have been resurfaced at Indio Jackson Park, Coachella Valley High School and Indio High School.
• Peewee nets, rackets and balls have been donated to multiple elementary schools in the Coachella Valley.
• Programs have been setup with various YMCAs, Boys & Girls Clubs and Housing Coalitions in the area that offer kids four to six-week sessions after school and in the summer.
• A circuit of monthly novice tournaments provide an opportunity for kids with limited or no tournament experience to compete and earn points that count toward the season finale are held at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden and other local clubs for boys and girls ages 5 to 18.
The local chapter also conducts an annual Kids Day that typically draws more than 1,000 kids and features a full day of activities for everyone. This year, it was held March 7 in conjunction with the BNP Paribas Open Kids Day. It was open to the general public and include a Junior Olympic Skills Qualifying event. ATP and WTA players were on hand to add to the excitement of the day.
For more info, call the Indian Wells Tennis Garden pro-shop at (760) 200-8200.
