USPTA meets the Sony Ericsson
by Susie Brown, USPTA
July 2008 -- The USPTA Florida Division earned publicity and created playing opportunities for USPTA members when it teamed with the Sony Ericsson Open at Key Biscayne in the spring. The joint event was initiated by John Joyce, regional vice president of the division, who had previously helped organize similar USPTA involvement in the Delray Beach International Championships. After Joyce met with Butch Buchholz, the two decided to work together at the Sony Ericsson to promote the game of tennis. The result was a USPTA night featuring a free First Serve children's clinic, and a USPTA tournament.
Joyce organized USPTA's events with the help of Jeff Cohen, Florida Division vice president, and Pat Anderson, the division's executive administrator.
Activities began on a Wednesday with the First Serve clinic led by Mike Baldwin Jr., USPTA. Following the clinic, the Sony Ericsson recognized local teaching pros with a USPTA Appreciation Night, reduced-rate tickets to the matches and a ceremony that acknowledged USPTA's efforts in the areas of dedication to, and education and promotion of the game.
USPTA's invitational prize-money tournament began Wednesday for men and Thursday for women and continued through the finals on Saturday. Julien Link won the men's competition, while Marine Nizri-Spiegl took the women's title.
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