YMCA Wins $2,000 Grant in Video Contest

The North Pinellas YMCA will get a $2,000 boost to its tennis program courtesy of USTA (U.S. Tennis Association) Florida.

The YMCA, which is located in East Lake, was one of three $2,000 grant winners in the USTA Florida "Share the Love" video contest. The organizations submitted a video showing how they would use a "Share the Love" grant to to grow tennis in their communities. People voted online for their favorite video.

"Our Y is very excited to receive the grant from USTA to support our 10 and Under tennis program," said North Pinellas YMCA Director, Mike Hlady, who says volunteers played a big role in the video's success.

"We want to take a moment to recognize the many volunteers that made it possible to create the winning video for the contest.  The support of these volunteers makes it possible for the Y to make sure all children in our community have the opportunity to learn life-long sports like tennis," he said.

"Youth tennis programs at the Y build friendships and skills that last a lifetime," said YMCA Program Director Veronica Condren on the USTA Florida website. 

"Winning the Share the Love grant means more kids get to learn, grow and develop through the expansion of our programs in local elementary schools. The grant will provide critical funding for new equipment for our 10 and Under Tennis program,' she said.

The YMCA will also use some of the money to hold a USTA Free Tennis Play Day, which encourages people to give tennis a try.

"The USTA Free Tennis Play Day that we are hosting on October 6 from noon to 2pm will provide another opportunity for the Y to engage children and their families in a sport that supports individual success as well as develops teamwork and sportsmanship," said Hlady

If you are interested in attending the USTA Free Tennis Play Day, here's what you need to know-

• Oct. 6
• Noon to 2 p.m.
• Kids Ages 3 to 10 can participate in Tennis Play Day
• People of all ages are encouraged to check out the tennis program or register as a guest to use the tennis courts.

The North Pinellas YMCA is located at  4550 Village Center Dr. in East Lake (727) 772-9622

USTA Florida is a not-for-profit tennis association that promotes and develops tennis in Florida.

Related-