DPR Customer Service: (202) 673-7647
DPR Media Contact:
John Stokes, (202) 288-7275, [email protected]
(Washington, DC) - Join local politicians, business leaders, media personalities, area youth and their families for the 17th Annual Heart to Heart Tennis Experience at the Southeast Tennis and Learning Center (SETLC) (701 Mississippi Avenue, SE) on Saturday, October 29 from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm. The Recreation Wish List Committee (RWLC), in partnership with the DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) will host this year’s Heart to Heart Tennis Experience.
This annual event brings together junior tennis clubs from across the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia. Juniors and adult tennis players get to showcase their skills, techniques and share their love for the game of tennis through friendly competition. As is the tradition, junior and adult tennis players will team up in doubles tennis and compete in the daylong tournament. Also included in the event will be a Jazzercise style warm-up; tennis clinics; a children’s area. The always wildly popular Celebrity Doubles Tennis Match will feature professional tennis players, TV and radio personalities, community members, government and business officials. They will be matched with SETLC Tennis Scholars.
“This is a special occasion for all of us, as it is a reminder of how we started our efforts to raise needed funds for the children of the District of Columbia almost 17 years ago,” said Cora Masters Barry, Founder and CEO of RWLC. “Through ‘Heart to Heart,’ and the support we receive from local politicians, business leaders, community members, Events DC, and Mark Ein, we can continue to provide our programming for the children. It will be a fantastic day of fun and fundraising. The renovated SETLC will continue the mission of the RWLC to provide excellent education and tennis training to the District’s youth.”
“Tennis is a sport that can be played for life,” said Keith A. Anderson, DPR Director. “The SETLC continues to provide unique, special opportunities for children and youth to grow and learn in ways that will empower them for the rest of their lives. Heart to Heart provides the chance for residents and visitors to see firsthand not only the beautiful new renovations to the facility but also how much fun can be for a worthy cause.”
To participate in this year’s “Heart to Heart Tennis Experience,” please call the Southeast Tennis and Learning Center at (202) 678-7530.
To schedule media interviews with Cora Masters Barry, CEO/Founder of the Recreation Wish List Committee; Damiisa Robinson, SETLC Site Manager; SETLC parents and SETLC kids playing in the tournament, please contact John Stokes, DPR Deputy Director – Community Engagement, at (202) 288-7275 or [email protected].
ABOUT THE SOUTHEAST TENNIS AND LEARNING CENTER (SETLC)
SETLC is a world-class, state-of-the art, tennis facility located in Ward 8. The SETLC serves over 140 District youth daily by providing tennis instruction, tutoring, life skills, developmental chess, and educational and personal reinforcement to the District’s youth. Tax deductible sponsorships for the 17th Annual Heart to Hart Tennis Experience are available for individuals, clubs and corporations. For more information, contact the Recreation Wish List Committee by telephone at (202) 678-7530 or via email at [email protected].
ABOUT THE DC DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION
The mission of the DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) is to enhance the quality of life and wellness of DC residents and visitors by providing equal access to affordable and quality recreational services, by organizing programs, activities and events. DPR currently operates 78 playgrounds, 68 recreation centers, 900 acres of park land, 40 aquatic features (pools and spray parks), 375 parks, over 200 play courts (basketball and tennis), and more than 100 athletic fields.