Arthur Ashe Kids Day Fun For All

Tennis' youngest fans took advantage of the U.S. Open festivities, taking part in Arthur Ashe Kids Day last Saturday, August 26.
The day included games, a concert, entertainment, and free clinics, along with the chance for children to meet their favorite tennis stars. Part of the proceeds will benefit the USTA National Junior Tennis League.
Flushing resident Twon Pribgen took his 5-year-old son Jabori to Arthur Ashe Kids Day. Jabori said it was fun to play the games and meet Roger Federer and James Blake.
Teresa Valenzuela, from College Point, attended the day with sons Anthony, 10, and Michael, 5. Anthony is a tennis fan who attended a five-week summer tennis camp. &#8220It's really fun,” Anthony said of Arthur Ashe Kids Day, adding that he was cheering for either Rafael Nadal of Spain or Roger Federer of Switzerland, the two favorites, to win the U.S. Open, the final leg of the Grand Slam.
The chance to meet some of the top tennis players was a highlight for many children such as Anthony and Jabori. Former women's champion Serena Williams said that this event was a great way to positively influence children.
&#8220I love trying to go to community events and just show my face because a lot of people never are able to make it there [to the matches] and I think it's important to do that,” Williams said.
Part of the activities during Arthur Ashe Kids Day included a concert with Cheyenne Kimball, Ne-Yo and Teddy Geiger. &#8220I think anyone would want to be a part of something like this,” said Geiger, who said his mom's side of the family follows tennis. &#8220I was never very good (at tennis) so I figure it's kind of a way for me to do something with tennis. I'm definitely really excited about it today, just looking forward to just being a part of it.”
Some of the celebrity guests, including actors Jason Biggs and Shannon Elizabeth, took part in the day by participating in tennis matches. &#8220I've been trying to be a part of this event actually for a few years. I'm a big tennis fan,” said Biggs. &#8220It supports a great foundation. It's just a kind of fun project for me to get involved with.”
Biggs described himself as a casual tennis player and said that there hadn't been a whole lot of preparation for the tennis match. &#8220I sometimes hit an amazing shot but I usually hit a bad shot so we'll see what happens today,” he said prior to playing.
Rosa Gaspari and her 14-year-old daughter Marissa came out to Arthur Ashe Kids Day from Eastchester after a friend told them about it. Marissa said that her brother, 10-year-old Marco, loves tennis and that she is beginning to get more interested in the sport.
&#8220I think it's great,” Rosa Gaspari said of the day. &#8220It's really great to expose kids to all these different events and get to see the players up close. It's also more affordable.”