Each school in the program is granted 15 new tennis racquets and a free motivational seminar conducted by professional players. The Schools Program is also active in maintaining the granted tennis equipment and assisting with questions and problems. Becky Edles Rye, conductor of the Schools Program in Southern California and co-coordinator of this week's clinics, has been involved with many tennis outreach programs. She says it makes a quite an impact on children when they watch and interact with professional players. It's kind of wild.
Rye realizes the importance of junior outreach programs.
Most people think tennis is an expensive club sport. We're trying to expose tennis to children in schools and make it easily accessible by providing free equipment and instructions to teachers. Kramer is enthusiastic about the Infiniti Open. It's a win-win situation because top players get to play in a tournament in Southern California while local fans can experience top quality tennis live and up close. At the same time, kids benefit from the SCTA programs supported by proceeds.