Over 300 kids had an opportunity to experience the excitement of live, world-class tennis at the seventh annual Kids Day at the Bank of the West Classic. Hosted by the USTA NorCal's Diversity Committee, in collaboration with IMG and Bank of the West, Stanford University's Arrillaga Plaza was filled with interactive mini tennis games, festive music, prizes, fun competitions, snow cones, a serving-speed booth and activities for all ability levels. The kids even had a chance to meet a few of the Sony Ericsson WTA players and get an autographed Bank of the West Classic poster.
"We’re serving, we’re rallying, we’re having fun," says USTA volunteer Bill Gosma. "Everyone here is having a great time!"
In addition to the festivities, the participating grass-roots organizations and tennis programs were treated to free day tickets to the tournament so that they’re able to watch the pros in action, something most would not otherwise have an opportunity to do. USTA NorCal invited groups from all over the Bay Area, and included the Boys and Girls Club of the Peninsula, City of Richmond youth Tennis, Don Johnson Tennis, Girls Inc of Alameda: Concordia Park, Standing Tall Tennis, and the Youth Tennis Advantage who work with inner-city youth.