Bryan Twins Receive Humanitarian Award; Then Rock The House

Written by: Staff on 24th October 2011

Bryan Twins Receive Humanitarian Award; Then Rock The House |

The all-time winningest doubles team the Bryan Bros. received the Global Citizens of the Year Award by the World Affairs Council over the weekend, then celebrated with a rocking night of music as they were joined on stage by some special musical guests, their father Wayne and even former ATP touring pro and current Tennis Channel commentator Justin Gimelstob.

The gala black-tie dinner held at the Spanish Hills Country Club in Camarillo, Calif., just a few miles from where Mike and Bob Bryan grew up, was sold out as old and new friends joined the twins in a celebration kicking off a weekend of tennis fundraisers all to benefit the Bryan Bros. Foundation.

The twins were presented with the Global Citizens of the Year Award which recognizes individuals who make an outstanding contribution in the area of citizen diplomacy. The organization cited Mike and Bob’s “excellent examples of the kind of selfless ambassadorship needed to promote and inspire global understandings.”

F. Joseph Halcomb III of Camarillo presented the twins with the award and later commented: “Mike and Bob are living examples of the ‘True Gentlemen.’ In fact, some would call them giants – both on and off the court – as pro athletes and as human beings.”

He later added: “Success isn’t defined just by winning tennis matches. Success also means giving something back – to their colleagues, their community and to their country… We believe that international diplomacy is not just rattling swords and using strong words in negotiations. It is representing our community and country the way the Bryan brothers have as they reach out to touch others everywhere they go.”

Both brothers said they were touched and honored to be given such a respected award. “It’s important for us to give back to the community,” Bob Bryan said. “To be recognized with this honor is great and we are happy to accept it from the World Affairs Council.”

After the award presentation and dinner, the Bryan Bros. Band played led by father Wayne and Mike on guitar and Bob on the keyboards.

Former American Idol contestant Michael Johns sang hits like “With Or Without You” by U2, “Sweet Home Alabama” and “Great Balls of Fire” while Counting Crows member Jim Bogios rocked the drums. Even Gimelstob got into the act, coming up and banging the tambourine.

On Saturday, the Bryan Bros. band was at it again rocking the Malibu Racquet Club at the Jam Fest hosted by MRC’s Trey Waltke. A pro-am and tennis exhibition was held with top American singles player Mardy Fish and former WTA great Tracy Austin taking part.

On Sunday, CoolPlanetBiofuels, a Camarillo-based energy company, was the title sponsor of a Tennis Fest and wine tasting event put on by local wineries at Spanish Hills with more exhibition tennis being played.

“It really was a great weekend,” said Spanish Hills Director of Tennis Dave McKinney, who has known the boys since they first picked up racquets as kids. “Ventura County loves coming out and seeing the boys, and it’s all for a good cause.”

The Bryan Bros. Foundation supports both the Ventura County Junior Tennis Association and the Santa Barbara Tennis Patrons to financially assist a promising junior player from each area. They also donate to many great local causes and regional charities.

For more information on the Bryan Bros. Foundation see the website at: http://www.bryanbros.com/about-the-foundation.html.

Topics: Bob Bryan, Mike Bryan