USTA Northern California Celebrates Black History Month

February marks Black History Month, an annual celebration that began in 1926. Originated by Carter Godwin Woodson, the son of slaves who went on to earn prestigious degrees at both the Sorbonne and Harvard University, the month of February was selected in deference to Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln both of whom were born this month.

We at USTA Northern California are proud to lead the tennis community in honoring Dr. Walter Johnson and Vincent Owens.

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USTA Serves Foundation: Scholarships and Player Incentive Awards

USTA Serves - Foundation for Academics. Character. Excellence. is a not-for-profit corporation whose mission is to support, monitor and promote programs that enhance the lives of underserved children through the integration of tennis and education. It encourages children to pursue their goals and highest dreams by succeeding in school and becoming responsible citizens, targeting youngsters from all cultural and ethnic backgrounds.

• The Player Incentive Award is a one time, nonrenewable grant of $500. Its purpose is to encourage the development of USTA youth tennis program participants with great potential and a commitment to academic excellence.
• USTA Serves awards six different scholarships to deserving youngsters who have participated in United States Tennis Association (USTA) and other organized youth tennis programs. 

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2010 National USTA Multicultural Grant Applications Now Available

Althea Gibson Leadership Grant

USTA National Diversity office is once again proud to offer four grants for players and programs.  These grants are designed to help address the financial barriers that inhibit young multicultural players aspiring to excellence as well as to support local programs that deliver high performance training to multicultural audiences.

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National American Indian Heritage Month

The term "American Indian" incorporates hundreds of different tribes and approximately 250 languages. Starting in 1976 as Native American Awareness Week, the period was expanded by Congress and approved by President George H. W. Bush in August 1990 by designating the month of November as National American Indian Heritage Month. In his proclamation for 1996, President Clinton noted, "Throughout our history, American Indian and Alaska Native peoples have been an integral part of the American character. Against all odds, America's first peoples have endured, and they remain a vital cultural, political, social, and moral presence."

We at USTA Northern California are proud to lead the tennis community in honoring a dedicated group of fine players who bring tremendous value, insight and richness to the sport of tennis.

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USTA Announces Pancho Gonzales Scholar Athlete Grant

USTA Northern California is proud to announce the new Pancho Gonzalez Scholar-Athletic Grant offered by USTA National Diversity Department.  In honor of Pancho Gonzalez, the Mexican-American icon who won two U.S. Championships men’s singles titles and whose dedication to the sport of tennis brought together fans from all walks of life.  We look to reward players who work to excel and lead others on and off the court.

The grant is being offered nation wide and two worthy candidates will be chosen.  Each recipient will receive a one time $2500 grant to help offset costs with training expenses. The recipient(s) must be training and competing in tournaments year-round.

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2009 Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Mixer

USTA Northern California in collaboration with the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Alameda County hosted a networking mixer at Harbor Bay Club in Alameda.  It was the first ever joint venture of its kind, Sunday, September 20, 2009.  This event is part of the USTA NorCal Diversity Committee initiative ¡Viva Tenis Latino! that looks to introduce the game of tennis to the Hispanic community. Young and old, novice and experienced came to play, eat and socialize on a beautiful fall afternoon.   The day concluded with lots of prizes and a new appreciation and interest in the game!  It was a true celebration of family, unity and the love for tennis.

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National Hispanic Heritage Month

National Hispanic Heritage Month was created via presidential proclamation in order to recognize and explore the achievements of a people that have contributed so much to American culture.  Its national observance was authorized by Public Law 100-402 which states:
The President is hereby authorized and requested to issue annually a proclamation designating the 31-day period beginning September 15 and ending on October 15 as "National Hispanic Heritage Month" and calling upon the people of the United States, especially the educational community, to observe such month with appropriate ceremonies and activities.   The hard work, values, and devotion to community of Hispanic Americans set a positive example for all Americans. 

This year we’re proud to honor tennis legend Richard “Pancho” Gonzalez who celebrates his 60th anniversary of his second consecutive victory at the U.S. Championships.

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Compelling Documentary on Life of Pancho Gonzales

A documentary narrated by actor Benjamin Bratt, Pancho Gonzalez:  The Latino Legend of Tennis tells the compelling story of Richard Alonzo "Pancho" Gonzalez, largely regarded as one of the greatest tennis players of all time. 

Benjamin Bratt was selected to pay tribute to Pancho Gonzales during the 2009 US Open, "Pancho Gonzalez was a trailblazer, not only in tennis, but across the greater American cultural landscape," said Bratt.  "He was a role model for a generation of Hispanic-Americans, and this tribute will rightly call attention to his important and lasting legacy.  I'm proud to be a part of this celebration to honor a true legend."

"The USTA is proud to celebrate the life and legacy of such a great champion as Pancho Gonzalez," said Lucy Garvin, President and Chairman of the Board, USTA.  "Pancho was a true pioneer in the sport of tennis and this tribute will shed light on the importance of Pancho Gonzalez to the game and its history."  Enjoy this video....

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USTA Northern California Proudly Salutes Asian Pacific American Heritage Month

USTA NorCal is proud to salute Michael Chang as its Diversity Icon of the Month. Chang, along with so many other players of Asian and Pacific Islander descent, have made remarkable contributions to the world of tennis.

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USTA NorCal Proudly Salutes Women’s History Month

USTA Northern California is proud to lead the tennis community in honoring Althea Gibson, Rosie Casals, Billie Jean King, Venus Williams, Sania Mirza because they bring such a wealth of richness and style to USTA and to the sport of tennis.

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