USTA AND NEW HAVEN OPEN AT YALE
REFURBISH COURTS AT NEW HAVEN’S WILBUR CROSS HIGH SCHOOL
AS PART OF OLYMPUS US OPEN SERIES LEGACY PROGRAM
Two Courts Converted into Six Permanent 10 and Under Tennis Courts
And Blended Lines Placed on Six Courts to Support 10 and Under Tennis
In New Haven—the Host City of the New Haven Open at Yale
Presented by First Niagara
Courts Unveiled Today at Ceremony with New Haven Mayor John DeStefano, Jr.
And US Open National Playoffs Participants Blake Strode and Lena Litvak
WHITE PLAINS, N.Y., August 16, 2011 – The USTA and the New Haven Open
at Yale presented by First Niagara announced today the refurbishment
of tennis courts at Wilbur Cross High School in New Haven, Conn., as a
part of the USTA’s Olympus US Open Series Legacy program. The program
is designed to leave a long lasting impact in the communities which
host Olympus US Open Series tournaments.
Two courts at Wilbur Cross High School have been converted into six
permanent 36-foot 10 and Under Tennis courts. Six other courts have
blended lines on the courts to make them 60-foot 10 and Under Tennis
courts. These conversions will further develop 10 and Under Tennis and
youth tennis in the city. The courts are currently used for local kids
and adult clinics and programming, high school tennis matches, and
recreational play.
The courts were unveiled today at a ceremony with New Haven Mayor John
DeStefano, Jr. and kids from JUNTA, the oldest Latino, community based
non-profit organization in New Haven, and New Haven Youth Tennis &
Education. 2010 US Open National Playoffs men’s champion Blake Strode,
who will attempt to defend his title in New Haven, August 18-21, and
Lena Litvak, who will be playing in the US Open National Playoffs –
Women’s Championship, also took part. Strode and Litvak both won the
US Open National Playoffs USTA New England Sectional Qualifying
Tournament in May.
“In addition to being a longtime showcase for pro tennis, New Haven
has a rich tennis history at the grassroots level,” said Kurt
Kamperman, USTA Chief Executive, Community Tennis. “We hope this
investment in 10 and Under Tennis courts can help grow the game and
leave an impact on the local community.”
“One of the most effective investments we can make as a community is
ensuring our children have safe, positive places to learn and play,”
said New Haven Mayor John DeStefano, Jr. “The USTA’s Olympus US Open
Series Legacy program does just that and I want to extend my thanks to
the USTA and the New Haven Open for the tennis court improvements here
at Wilbur Cross High School.”
“The New Haven Open at Yale has always been committed to leveraging
the tournament as a vehicle to engage the community, especially its
youth, in creating a healthy lifestyle both physically and
educationally,” said New Haven Open Tournament Director Anne
Worcester. “Thanks to the USTA, leaving a Legacy at the Wilbur Cross
courts, where community and schools meet for ‘fun, fitness and
friendships,’ is another testament of our commitment to bettering
lives in our community.”
The total cost of this refurbishment is $55,000. With an Olympus US
Open Series Legacy, USTA Professional and Community tennis partner to
leave a lasting impression in communities where an Olympus US Open
Series event is held. The New Haven Open at Yale presented by First
Niagara, the last women’s tournament of the Olympus US Open Series,
will take place at Connecticut Tennis Center at Yale in New Haven,
August 18-27.