Serena and Venus Williams have invested $1 million in a purposed tennis centre aimed at training minorities in America.
The purposed Miramar tennis complex is an initiative formed by the American Tennis Association (ATA) in partnership with the United States Tennis Association (USTA). Their aim is to engage minorities to play tennis. Part of their plan includes the implementation of a Black Hall of Fame. One of the people involved in the proposal is Albert Tucker. Tucker is the vice president of Multicultural Business Development for the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention and Visitor’s Bureau.
“One of the things that will be emphasized at this centre is identifying local talent and helping those youth connect to proper training and guidance so that they can continue at the next level.” Albert Tucker told sun-sentinel.com.
It is understood that as part of the deal involving the Williams sisters, the centre court will be named after their father Richard. Richard introduced both of his daughters to the sport. Later this year he will be inducted into the American Tennis Hall of Fame.
There has been no official comment from the Williams sisters concerning their investment. The ATA is currently in the process of raising the $6.6 million required to build the complex, which has already been endorsed by the local mayor.
“I see that opportunity where Miramar could become a place where children will pick up a racquet and learn from great instructors and become top professionals,” said Mayor Wayne Messam.
If the project is given the go ahead, the plan includes a clubhouse and over 20 tennis courts with a specific training area as well as a stadium court. The ATA is also hoping to relocate their headquarters and host the national championships there. According to The Sun Sentinel, the complex will generate an annual revenue of $5 million for local businesses. $2.6 of which would occur during the week the national championships is held.
Depending of how quickly the venue raises funding, the complex could be ready by 2020.
Who are the American Tennis Association?
The ATA is an African-American sports organisation. It was formed in 1916 following the exclusion of black players from USLTA competitions. A black player didn’t feature in the American national championships until Althea Gibson in 1950.
Their aim is to ‘promote black tennis in America.’ This year is the 100th anniversary of the organisation, making them the oldest African-American sports organization in the country.
