In keeping with First Lady Michele Obama's initiative to combat obesity, and sensing a need to introduce inner- city youth to the sport of tennis, avid players Larry Covington and Thomas Jenkins, are giving back to the community through their non-profit program, TENNIS4ALL.
Every Saturday, from April through November, between the hours of 9 a.m. until noon, these coaches are on the tennis courts of Randall Highland Elementary School in Southeast instructing children 10 and under in the game of tennis for free.
The TENNIS4ALL program teaches basic tennis techniques in a small group setting, which allows the kids to learn, have fun, succeed and maintain a high level of interest in the sport while developing an understanding of good sportsmanship.
One parent Lisa Smith, whose daughters Aiyana and Jordyn, participate in the program says, "As a parent I appreciate the time spent in teaching the kids, discipline, teamwork, and sportsmanship. These are skills that they will carry with them for the rest of their lives."
Coaches Covington and Jenkins are native Washingtonians who have been playing tennis since high school. They are members of the United States Tennis Association and are PTR ( Professional Tennis Registry) certified.
Jenkins states that his time on Saturdays are the "best and most enjoyable three hours every week.
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