All ages welcome — that was the message shared by both USTA Florida and the Ted Lucas Foundation during a free Family Day in Miami Gardens on Saturday, July 27th, 2019.
So glad to be partnering with @USTAFlorida at our FREE Family Fun Day Tennis Event! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/LCePbbk9G6
— Ted Lucas Foundation (@tlffoundation) July 27, 2019
The goal of the 4-hour event at Buccaneer Park was to get the whole family on the court — mom, dad, children, grandparents — and around 136 people came out to participate.
No tennis ability was needed to enjoy the on- and off-court activities.
“This was a great event and the kick-off to a very good partnership with the Ted Lucas Foundation,” said Cathy Nordlund, USTA Florida Tennis Service Representative. “Most of the people, if not all, tried tennis for the first time and are looking forward to playing during the after school program and as a family at Buccaneer Park in Miami Gardens. The park has two beautiful recently renovated courts, equipment and committed staff to make this happen. USTA Florida is very excited to introduce the community of Miami Gardens to tennis.”
The first 100 participants who registered and attended received a t-shirt, water bottle, and had the chance to win some other tennis goodies — such as a US Open bag or two junior racquets.
The event even pulled in some familiar faces from the community. Varsity Tennis Coach from St. Thomas University, Bruce Carrington, and some of his players volunteered to help during the event. Miami Gardens Mayor Oliver G. Gilbert III also stopped by, picked up a racquet, and hit around some tennis balls with Ted Lucas, founder of the Ted Lucas Foundation.
“We are very excited to have an after school program from K-8 starting and are very thankful to our partners like USTA Florida, as they help us expose our kids to different sports and give them another outlet like tennis,” said Lucas.
The Ted Lucas Foundation was founded in 2009 as a non-profit charitable organization.
Looking for more ways to enjoy tennis as a family? Head to www.ustaflorida.com/familyplay to learn more about family play opportunities.
