USTA Florida, Hebni Nutrition Consultants Team Up to Grow Tennis in Central Florida

USTA Florida has partnered with Hebni Nutrition Consultants Inc., an official National Junior Tennis and Learning chapter in Florida that educates high-risk diverse populations about nutrition strategies and healthy lifestyle to prevent diet-related diseases.

The partnership is part of the USTA Florida Section’s Diversity Outreach initiative in 2015, designed to bring programming to diverse populations and provide them the opportunity to learn and play the sport of tennis for a lifetime.

As part of the partnership, the USTA Florida Foundation, the official giving arm of USTA Florida, has provided an equipment grant to be distributed among all sites. The equipment will allow children to continue learning and practicing the sport of tennis with right-sized equipment for their age and ability, including smaller racquets, reduced-bounce balls and mini nets.

“I would like to thank the USTA Florida Foundation for the tennis supplies. It is great to have an organization that has the interest in children and exposes them to the world to tennis,” said Director of Nutrition Services at Hebni Nutrition Consultants, Inc., Fabiola Gaines. “The supplies are greatly needed and will be used to increase participation in the sport.”

Tennis has been the physical activity of choice for Hebni, provided by Poshrock Tennis which not only focuses on improving tennis skills, but also in promoting good behavior off the court by teaching participants respect and life skills. Through the partnership, the already-existing tennis programs are looking to expand to more high-risk individuals. It will also provide opportunities for those already participating to take it to the next level by competing and enrolling in different programs available in the area, such as leagues, team tennis and tournaments.

“The equipment provided is a great benefit to the children who participate in the NJTL programming provided at the different recreation centers,” said Co-Director of Poshrock Tennis Albert Richards.”Having their own racquets, balls, and nets allows the children to feel more comfortable going out to participate in tennis activities.”

USTA Florida is working to grow tennis participation among diverse populations in Central and South Florida. As part these efforts, USTA Florida will be hosting events throughout the year, including free festivals, USTA Play Days, round robins, and USTA Florida will also offer scholarships for tennis providers to attend PTR Ace workshops and obtain teaching certifications.

A full list of events is posted at www.ustaflorida.com/events.

For more information about programs and places to play visit www.ustaflorida.com.