SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 659
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to
recognize the Texas section of the United States Tennis
Association, also known as USTA Texas, for its commitment to
expanding the popularity of the game of tennis throughout the
state; and
WHEREAS, Tennis is a lifetime sport that helps to fight
obesity in children and contributes to the healthy lifestyle of
over one million Texans; and
WHEREAS, The rules of tennis have changed, making it much
more user-friendly through the use of modified courts, softer balls,
and racquets sized specifically for children and seniors; and
WHEREAS, More than 300 new, smaller, 10 and Under tennis
courts have been created since 2011, and tennis can now be played
almost anywhere--in a gym, in a parking lot, or on a driveway, as
well as in any of the more than 800 tennis facilities across
Texas; and
WHEREAS, Over 475,000 Texas students have been exposed to
tennis through physical education in schools, and training has
been provided for schoolteachers, along with equipment packages;
after-school tennis programs continue to instill in youth the
values of teamwork, competition, dedication, and a healthy
lifestyle; and
WHEREAS, The National Junior Tennis and Learning program,
which was founded by Arthur Ashe, teaches tennis and provides
tutoring in academics and life skills to more than 50,000
low-income, at-risk children throughout the State of Texas each
year; and
WHEREAS, The United States Tennis Association supports our
military; it has promoted wheelchair tennis for years, and it now
provides programs to wounded warriors at several military bases
and veterans' hospitals; modified tennis equipment has been sent
to Afghanistan, and tennis organizations in Texas have adopted
over 3,500 soldiers, sending them treats in care packages as well
as requested personal items; the Texas section of the United
States Tennis Association promotes tennis activities on all of
the military bases in Texas that include both adults and
children; and
WHEREAS, The Texas section of the United States Tennis
Association has over 59,000 members and continues to expose
millions of Texans to the sport, making our communities healthier
with each tennis racquet, ball, and court; since 2011, the Texas
section has invested more than $300,000 back into public tennis
facilities and grassroots programs; this outstanding
organization deserves recognition for its hard work and
dedication to expanding the popularity of tennis in Texas and
making it available to all people; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas,
83rd Legislature, hereby commend the Texas section of the United
States Tennis Association for its outstanding efforts to
encourage a healthy lifestyle for all Texans and extend to its
members best wishes for success in their future endeavors; and,
be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for
this worthy organization as an expression of esteem from the
Texas Senate.
Deuell
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President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on April 16, 2013.
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Secretary of the Senate
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Member, Texas Senate