PRESS RELEASE

Start date: May 8, 2003

DURHAM-ORANGE RECEIVES GRANT AWARD

North Carolina Tennis Association Board Chair, Paula Hale and Executive Director, Kelly Gaines, presented a Community Development/Local Membership Grant in the amount of $6,400 to the Durham-Orange Community Tennis Association (DOCTA) Board Chair, John H. McLean on May 7, 2003. The Southern Tennis Association contributed 75% of the amount and the North Carolina Tennis Association contributed the remaining 25%.

DOCTA was established in 1998 as a non-profit organization to promote and encourage the development of tennis in Durham and Orange counties. The Community Development/Local Membership Grant will increase participation in United States Tennis Association (USTA) programs and strengthen the relationship between local tennis organizations and the USTA.

The grant award will allow DOCTA to promote tennis at all levels during the year.
Funds under this award have been slated for support to tennis players to defray cost of USA league registration fees for district and sectional teams; development of a new NJTL Program in Orange County in conjunction with the Chapel Hill Parks and Recreation Program; increased participation of NJTL, USA 123 and Team Tennis Programs via the Durham Parks and Recreation Program; and the continuation of the DOCTA Junior Development Program designed to education and train youth interested in middle and high school competitive play. The award will also purchase 125 tennis rackets for USA Schools’ participants, youth and adults participating in the local parks and recreation tennis programs and under Magic Express Tennis Club, a local public parks tennis club in Durham promoting junior tennis under the “Magic Kids” Program.

DOCTA will kick off tennis month on Saturday, May 17, 2003 with a Local Celebrity Tennis Carnival from 9 am to 5 pm at Rock Quarry Tennis Courts at 500 Stadium Drive in Durham. Celebrities such asTony Debo of WTVD11 television station, Representative H. Mickey Michaux, Senator Wilbur Gulley, and Crystal Cox, US Track and Field Star will be on hand to support youth and adults during tennis activities. An exhibition match will be played by several celebrities and a round robin tournament will follow. Food and drinks will be provided. Mr. Rainbow, the clown, will join us. Youth and adults are encouraged to participate and join in the fun! Contact 919-547-4354 for further information or to register.
Contact: Anna Mercer-McLean – 919-929-1543 or 683-1966