City receives donation to improve local tennis clubs during Winston-Salem Open event
In above photo: The Winston Salem Open (submitted)
By Tevin Stinson
The Chronicle
On Wednesday, Aug. 26, a number of children from Forsyth County participated in the Emirates “Returns” Tennis Clinic at the Wake Forest Indoor Tennis Complex.
The clinic was designed to teach children the basic skills of tennis, including the important skill of being able to return the ball.
Emirates “Returns” is part of the Emirates Airlines US Open Series, a series of tennis tournaments held in different cities across the nation.
While partnering with the USTA (United States Tennis Association) Foundation, the Emirates Airlines US Open Series makes charitable donations to each host city. The donations to each city include educational programming, tennis equipment and facility improvements.
During this year’s clinic, the city received a cash donation of $5,000 and $5,000 in equipment.
The cash donation will be used to organize tennis tournaments and clinics at the different tennis clubs in Winston-Salem.
Tamer Hegazy, director of tennis at the Wake Forest Tennis Complex, said he has really seen the sport of tennis grow over the years.
“The city does a good job of setting up tournaments and clinics at the different clubs in the area.”
The Wake Forest Tennis Complex was built in 1997 and is home to the Demon Deacons men’s and women’s tennis programs. According to Hegazy, the complex also offers local memberships and is open to the local community.
During the summer months, the complex offers a number of programs and clinics for children.
“During our summer camps, we have over 200 participants each year,” said Hegazy. “We have also been able to give scholarships to a number of participants.”
The complex also offers a number of scholarships to deserving camp and clinic participants through a partnership with the North Carolina Tennis Association.
Hegazy said youth participation in the sport has really grown.
“I’ve been here for 13 years,” said Hegazy. “It’s good to see that the youth in the area are becoming more interested in tennis.”
The Wake Forest Indoor Tennis Complex is located at 100 W. 32nd St. For more information on the complex, visit www.wfuitc.com
For information on a tennis club in your neighborhood or to find out about any upcoming tournaments or clinics visit www.wstennis.com
