The Bank of the West Classic never disappoints when it comes to the field of the play. 2016 was no different. Venus Williams fell short of her 50th WTA title to first time WTA champion Johanna Konta. Raquel Atawo and Abigail Spears defeated Darija Durak and Anastasia Rodionova to win the doubles title. USTA NorCal had a ton of fun off the court activities as well. Read on to learn more about all the great events USTA NorCal had this year!
KIDS DAY WHERE THE KIDSRULE!
On July 18, 2016, over 350 kids were invited to participate in the 13th Annual Kids Day at the Bank of the West Classic, Where the Kids Rule! Hosted by USTA NorCal, in collaboration with IMG, Bank of the West, and USTA Hispanic Engagement Advisory Group, it was a fun filled day with activities for all ability levels – interactive mini tennis games, festive music, prizes, fun competitions, a serving-speed booth, and lunch. A few of the WTA players came by to talk to the kids and autograph Bank of the West Classic posters for them. Katrina Adams, USTA Chairman of the Board, and the USTA NorCal’s Board President, Margie Campbell, also came to partake in the day’s event! In addition to the festivities, the participating grassroots organizations and tennis programs were treated to free day tickets to the tournament so that they were able to watch the pros in action – something most would not otherwise be able to do. USTA NorCal invited groups from all over the Bay Area, and included the Fresno Parks and Recreation, Richmond Parks and Recreation, Booker T. Washington Community Center, and many more who work with inner-city youth.
HIGH SCHOOL KIDS DAY
Over 100 kids from 10 Bay Area high schools came to play at the first ever Bank of the West Classic High School Day. USTA NorCal staff were there to greet the players and take them through a full morning of action with some games-based drills. Afterwards, the players enjoyed a free lunch, compliments of Wilson Tennis. For a special treat, players were visited by a local favorite, Cici Bellis! Cici answered some of the high school player’s questions and made a very special announcement to the group. To see a video of that announcement, and other videos and photos from the day, visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ustanorcal.
MEMBERSHIP BOOTH
During the entire tournament, USTA NorCal had its robust membership booth on-site, staffed by a team of great volunteers, complete with an autograph session, as well as opportunities to renew or become a new USTA member. Some event attendees even got the chance to test their serve at the Fast Serve Net with proceeds going to local tennis programs throughout Northern California. A big thanks goes out to all of the people who volunteered their time to help with the membership booth. You are greatly appreciated by us here at USTA Northern California!
The post Bank of the West Classic – A fun filled week of tennis in NorCal! appeared first on USTA NorCal Junior Tennis.