King’s message plays out through tennis

In memory of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Sportsmen’s Tennis Club will host the annual Industry and Community Investing in Children (ICIC) Tennis Tournament this Monday.

The one-day tournament will raise funds to improve educational programming in the club, and give underprivileged kids the opportunity to learn tennis.

Although the tournament normally takes place earlier in the year, Sportsmen’s decided to move it to King’s birthday to capture the strength of his message to inspire the youth to lead better lives.

“We want to acknowledge Dr. King by telling the youth that they really need to look at how they are living their lives and figure out the best way to go about it, “ said Sportsmen’s Board President Steve Tompkins. “If they look up to the ways of Dr. King, they will enhance themselves.”

Former state Rep and local civil rights legend Mel King is scheduled to give the keynote address and be honored for his years of social activism.

Located on 950 Blue Hill Avenue near Franklin Park, Sporstmen’s is known for providing academic support programming and quality, affordable tennis. Just as King believed in equal opportunities for all people, STC provides all children the opportunity to play tennis in a supportive and disciplined environment while providing academic support. Their goal is to produce healthy, motivated and self-reliant youth who strive to do their personal best both on and off the court.

The Junior Tennis Program now serves 1,500 children annually from Boston’s neighborhoods. The tournament is limited to 32 participants, with prizes to be awarded to the top three corporate participants and Sportsmen’s Juniors.

Over the years, many junior players from Sportsmen’s Tennis Club have obtained college scholarships and have been ranked both regionally and nationally. Twenty-five juniors are now ranked in New England.

“Tennis teaches discipline and it will carry on with them in their daily lives,” Tompkins said. “Tennis is a one-on-one endeavor and the skills they obtain will be applied to how they approach their education and outlook on life.”