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USTA Pro Tourney to Benefit NSSRA by DNS Contributor (http://jwcdaily.com/author/dnscontributor/) • June 29, 2016 Leave a Comment (http://jwcdaily.com/2016/06/29/ustaprotourneytobenefitnssra/#respond)
NORTHBROOK – Northern Suburban Special Recreation Association (NSSRA) has once again been selected to be the charitable recipient for the 24th Annual Nielsen USTA Pro Tennis Tournament July 4 – July 9 in Winnetka. The $50,000 Men’s Challenger tournament is a one-of-a-kind event attracting some of the finest tennis players in the world and drawing international attention. Net proceeds benefit NSSRA.
NSSRA, founded in 1970, serves approximately 1,700 children, teens and adults with disabilities living in its partner communities throughout the northern suburbs. In addition to its Special Olympics Gator Tennis program, NSSRA has over 550 recreational, sport, cultural, social, and leisure offerings available during the day, after school, in the evenings and on weekends during the course of the year, creating new experiences, opportunities for leisure time, skill development and perhaps most importantly, friendship. NSSRA’s Gator Athletics/Special Olympics programs span 12 sports with nearly 100 athletes.
“Nielsen/USTA has been a dedicated supporter of NSSRA and our athletes for many years now,” said Craig Culp, NSSRA’s Executive Director. “We are honored by the ongoing generosity of the tournament, and our partnership makes a significant impact on the lives of our participants and their families year after year.” NSSRA participants and Special Olympics athletes Sam Green and Stefan Xidas are slated to sing the National Anthem prior to opening matches on Thursday evening, July 7.
Qualifying matches begin Saturday, July 2, and qualifier finals are on Monday, July 4. All matches will be held outdoors at the A.C. Nielsen Tennis Center (530 Hibbard Rd. Winnetka, Illinois 60093). For more information or tickets, visit www.nielsenprotennis.org. NSSRA provides and facilitates year-round recreation programs and services for children, teens and adults with disabilities who live in the partner communities. NSSRA is an extension of ten park districts, two cities and one village in the northern suburbs of Chicago. This partnership includes the Park Districts of Deerfield, Glencoe, Glenview, Highland Park, Kenilworth, Lake Bluff, Northbrook, Northfield, Wilmette and Winnetka; the Cities of Highwood and Lake Forest; and the Village of Riverwoods. NSSRA has been creating an environment of belonging through play since 1970, and has the distinction as the first Special Recreation Association in the country. For more information about NSSRA and the programs and services they provide visit www.nssra.org.
With approximately 90 tournaments hosted annually throughout the country and prize money ranging from $10,000 to $100,000, the USTA Pro Circuit is the pathway to the US Open and tour-level competition for aspiring tennis players and a frequent battleground for established professionals. The USTA Pro Circuit provides players with the opportunity to gain professional ranking points, and it has since grown to become the largest developmental tennis circuit in the world, offering nearly $3 million in prize money. Mardy Fish, Maria Sharapova, John Isner, Caroline Wozniacki, Sam Querrey, Victoria Azarenka and Andy Murray are among today’s top stars who began their careers on the USTA Pro Circuit. For the results of this year’s challenge, visit www.nielsenprotennis.org.
Submitted by Northern Suburban Special Recreation Association