CityParks youth tennis gets nice windfall

Aviation Development Council (ADC), a bridge organization between the regional aviation industry and the communities it serves, is proud to announce its partnership with City Councilmember Leroy Comrie in support of City Parks Foundation’s 2008 CityParks Tennis - presented by Chase & CityParks Golf programs - for Baisley Pond Park.
ADC’s support of this important youth athletics program for Baisley Pond Park came because of some dialogue with Comrie’s office, the community affairs office of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and the airline board members of ADC.
“Aviation Development Council has formulated a community outreach program which is focused on youth wellness, youth leadership development, and youth education,” said Bill Huisman, Executive Director of the Aviation Development Council. “We were looking for a worthwhile initiative in the Baisley Park neighborhood . . . CPF’s CityParks Tennis presented by Chase & CityParks Golf program at Baisley Pond Park became a natural choice for our local outreach efforts.
Huisman continued, “We appreciate Councilmember Comrie’s concern for the youth of his community and the support we received from the Port Authority and our airline board members. We are pleased to be helping City Parks Foundation with this exciting program for young people in the Baisley Park area.”
This free youth golf and tennis instruction program began during the week of July 5, and provides a fun way for children throughout New York City to learn golf and tennis basics. The programs provide free coaching and equipment to boys and girls, ages 5-16.
The CityParks Golf program at Baisley Park runs through August 21, and the City Parks Tennis program runs to August 12.
“Our youth golf and tennis programs have proven to be very successful over the years and we are very excited about providing both in Baisley Pond Park this year,” said David Rivel, Executive Director for City Parks Foundation. “Our goal is to spark an interest in tennis, golf and other organized sports among city kids at an early age, not only to promote fitness and well-being, but to help inspire a sense of accomplishment and self-confidence.”
City Parks Foundation’s innovative program consists of two golf or tennis lessons per week, introducing young players to the game through specialized instruction and equipment. The summer program includes warm-up stretches, life skills activities, helpful golf, and tennis drills. Fun games and contests at the end of each session allow participants to apply the skills they have just learned. All CPF sports programs teach children important life skills - such as sportsmanship, self-confidence, patience, respect, and teamwork.