Simply Smashing

THE WESTERN ARKANSAS TENNIS ASSOCIATION (WATA) is a nonprofit, community-based tennis association with a mission to create, develop, maintain, and promote the game of tennis. Tennis is a popular sport, rich in history and tradition. Although playing styles and techniques have evolved over the years, the benefits for maintaining health, fitness, strength, and agility are unchanged.

“Western Arkansas Tennis Association was formed in 1998 by local enthusiasts to promote tennis in our community. Twentyfive years later, WATA continues to work to make tennis one of the healthiest lifelong fitness activities available to our community,” says Jennifer Terry, Board President, WATA. The sport continues to grow in popularity nationwide and locally. WATA is here to provide quality tennis programming, including lessons, leagues, tournaments, and after-school camps, to continue fostering interest and participation. “Tennis is a sport I have enjoyed for over four decades in the River Valley. The life lessons learned on and off the court are invaluable to future generations. Investing in tennis is investing in our community’s future,” says Brian Pillar, Director of Tennis.

Supporting tennis through WATA is investing in the health and wellness of our community. As an affiliate of USTA, the largest tennis organization in the world, WATA is dedicated to growing the game and providing outstanding tennis programming to our community!

WATA’S ANNUAL COMMUNITY IMPACT

- 2 College Scholarships to Local Junior Players

- Hosts 14 Junior Tournaments

- Hosts 6 Adult Tournaments

- Hosts Middle School Tennis Programs

- Hosts Tournaments to Benefit Local Nonprofits, Such as Project Compassion, Western Arkansas Ballet, Fort Smith Children’s Museum, and Ronald McDonald House

- Provides High Quality Used Tennis Racquets to Youth in Need

May is National Tennis Month and WATA is hosting its 20th annual “Oh WATA Night” event on Cinco de Mayo, Friday, May 5th, at The Bakery District in downtown Fort Smith, Arkansas. This incredible evening will feature a mariachi band during cocktail hour, delicious catering, a DJ, and lots of dancing! The platinum anniversary is Latin-themed, and everyone is encouraged to wear vibrant colors to the event. All proceeds will help to sustain WATA’s mission to make tennis available to everyone in our community!

For more information about WATA and their “Oh WATA Fiesta” event, call 479.782.5333, email wata@sbcglobal.net, find them on Facebook, or online at watatennis.net.