A newly renovated 48,000 square foot six-tennis court indoor arena is headed to Washington, DC's Ward 8 thanks in part to tennis pros Venus and Serena Williams. Find out about their contribution inside...
Earlier today, reps from the Southeast Tennis and Learning Center (SETLC) revealed that they've completed an $18 Million renovation of their 48,000 square foot six-tennis court indoor arena, in Washington, DC's Ward 8, thanks in part to donations and support from Venus and Serena Williams.
Their press release proudly announced that the Venus and Serena Williams Tennis Arena will be officially unveiled on Friday, November 7 at the SETLC's Tennis Shoes, Ties & After Five Gala hosted by the Recreation Wish List Committee (RWLC).
The two tennis legends will be in attendance for the entire evening of fun, fundraising and renovation celebration, which will be emceed by CBS News and Sports broadcaster James "JB" Brown. Cora Masters Barry, president and founder of the RWLC said,
"The support of Venus and Serena is something that has been a driving force behind the success of the Center from day one. We are privileged to be able to honor them with the naming of the new tennis arena and thrilled that they will be in attendance on November 7 for the unveiling and entire gala. The facility is going to be gorgeous, but it is just a building if we don't do something great inside of it," continued Barry. "I can't wait to see kids of all ages pick up rackets and play on these new courts. That will be worth every brick and every penny."
The SETLC is the first facility of it's kind in the nation and has become a model for other cities. The center and others inspired by it will be integral in the development of U.S. tennis.
"This is truly going to be one of the premier tennis facilities on the East Coast, if not a model for the entire country,"added Damiisa Robinson, Director of Tennis at the SETLC. "With this newly renovated center, we will be opening up our customer scope. We will have the greatest quality of services as our competition in the Mid-Atlantic region with lower cost for lessons and programs we will never turn away a Ward 8 student, that's why this center was built and we will stay true that mission."
In other sports news, Serena is in Singapore for the WTA Finals where she won her first match, beating Ana Ivanovic 6-4, 6-4 in Monday's tournament opener. Congrats Serena!
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Photos via Serena's Instagram
