USTA Eastern Long Island Region Update

Join Us for National Tennis Month Fun

In celebration of National Tennis Month in May, the USTA Long Island Region will be hosting several events to bring tennis into our communities. According to USTA Chairman of the Board and President Mike McNulty, the special monthly designation was created to give providers and others in the tennis community the opportunity “to raise awareness around our great sport and promote it as healthy, fun, safe, and accessible to people of all ages and abilities.”

According to McNulty, “tennis has enjoyed some truly impressive growth—all the more remarkable in the face of the pandemic. And during National Tennis Month, the USTA, along with many of its partners in the tennis world, will be making a concerted effort to add to the sport’s momentum by providing resources, ideas and support for coaches, facilities, Parks & Recs, Community Tennis Associations, NJTLs, and providers of all kinds to help bring new players into tennis and reinvigorate those who’ve already made this sport a part of their lives.”

Happening in May are the following events (more information is available at www.longisland.usta.com; make sure to keep an eye out to our web site and Facebook accounts (Play Tennis Long Island) for additional events planned during the month: 1. “Park Day for the Family” on Sunday, May 22, hosted by USTA Long Island and run by Long Island Tennis Magazine (participants will be gathered in conjunction with the PTA - Adults and Kids) Eisenhower Park, 2:30-4:30 pm. 2. “Courts and Cocktails” Event at Sportime Roslyn on May 21, 7:00-9:30 pm (sponsored by USTA Long Island and organized by Long Island Tennis Magazine) (fundraiser for Grow Tennis NY 501c3). This event is open to all levels of adult tennis players. 3. Suffolk County Tennis Event, hosted by the Suffolk County Tennis & Education Foundation Community Tennis Association, on May 21 (rain date of 5/22) from 2:004:00 pm at Cassamento Park in Bay Shore.

Save the Date: 32nd Annual LI Awards Dinner

The USTA Long Island Regional Council is pleased to announce that its Awards Dinner will return this fall, with the 32nd Annual event scheduled for Tuesday, September 20th at Chateau Briand Caterers. A call for nominations will be going out soon, so start thinking about those in your tennis community who deserve recognition. We look forward to seeing you all at this year’s dinner!

Recognizing High School Sportsmanship

For the first time, the USTA Long Island Region will be supplying each Nassau and Suffolk public high school with special plaques allowing coaches to recognize one player on their team for their outstanding sportsmanship. During the past two seasons, the Region had recognized Nassau and Suffolk players for their sportsmanship during the girls’ and boys’ Individual Tournaments. The Region also has recognized no-cut teams with colorful wristbands (in conjunction with Breast Cancer Awareness and Autism Awareness). “High School athletes have shown a great deal of strength, compassion and sportsmanship over the last two years due to the pandemic,” said Michael Pavlides, USTA Long Island High School Rep. “Boys’ high school tennis (as well as all spring sports) lost their 2020 season, and played a condensed season in 2021, due to Covid. This spring season will be the first to be played without any COVID restrictions. Our goal is to foster and recognize one person on each team who shows respect to their opponents, teammates and to the game, with this Sportsmanship Award.”

Tennis Events on Long Island

With the warmer spring weather come several tennis events across Long Island, including the end of the boys’ high school tennis season and the various seasonal tournaments and competitions. In addition to National Tennis Month activities, the following events are planned in the next few months. Key dates (subject to change) are:

High School Competition

• May 13-16: Suffolk County Boys' Divisional Individual

Tournament • May 19-21: Suffolk County Boys' Sectional Individual

Tournament • May 21-22: Nassau County Boys' Individual Tournament • May 25-26: 2022 Boys' Tennis Long Island

Championship • June 2-4: NYSPHSAA Individual Championships • June 10: NYSPHSAA Small School & Large School

State Championships

Other Events:

• May 21: Long Island Tennis Magazine presents Courts and Cocktails at Sportime Roslyn • May 22: PTA Parks Day at Eisenhower Park • June 5: Back after a two-year hiatus, the Robbie’s Run in Merrick is a Sunday morning 5K charity run and kids’ festival. The USTA Long Island Junior Council will be offering kids tennis lessons throughout the event. (www.robbielevinefoundation.org) • This summer, the USTA Long Island Regional Council will host three Kids Days (locations and dates TBD) • June 11: Long Island Tennis Magazine Challenge at

Sportime Quogue (LITennisMag.com/LITMJuneChallenge)

USTA Eastern Long Island Regional Council

Executive Committee

Jonathan Klee, Regional Director Michael Pavlides, Past Regional Director Sunny Fishkind, Vice Regional Director Randi Wilkins, Secretary Neil Thakur, USTA Eastern Community Tennis Coordinator, Long Island/Metro & Manager, School Tennis www.longisland.usta.com • Follow USTA Long Island on Facebook: Play Tennis Long Island