USTA Florida To Host LGBT ‘Glow Your Pride’ Black-Light Tennis Event in Orlando

As part of its ongoing commitment to make tennis available and accessible to everyone, USTA Florida is partnering with XGLOsive LLC and the Orange Blossom Tennis Association to host the first-ever black-light tennis event for LGBT players in Orlando.

The free “Glow Your Pride” event is scheduled for Saturday, October 15, 2016 at Fort Gatlin Tennis Center — just one week after Pride Weekend in Orlando. It will feature three full courts of XGLOsive Tennis under the black lights, with music, food and a welcoming environment for players of all skill levels and ages.

“USTA Florida absolutely believes that tennis is for everyone,” said Maria Romo, diversity & marketing coordinator at USTA Florida. “We are excited to work alongside our friends at the Orange Blossom Tennis Association to create a welcoming environment for all members of the LGBT community and introduce more people to tennis — both at this event and in ongoing programs. To be able to do this in the Orlando community, which will be our new home next year, is especially important.”

The event will also serve as a kick-off for a new lesbian tennis league, which will be run in partnership with OBTA.

“As a new Orlando resident, my first volunteer job is to create a social women’s tennis club inspired by one we founded in Dallas, which now serves 325 social members and more than100 very active and frequent tennis players,” says Marilyn Sherman, USTA League national promotions manager. “USTA and USTA Florida immediately offered support, as well as Fort Gatlin Tennis Center. We especially want to introduce new players to tennis.”

The Orange Blossom Tennis Association is open to all LGBT tennis players and their allies. The new “Sets in the Sun” women’s tennis club will attract lesbians in the community who are interested in social and league play.

For more information on the Sets in the Sun league, email Marilyn Sherman at Sherman@usta.com or text/call (678) 520-5649.

For more information about the event, and to register, visit www.GlowYourPride.Eventbrite.com today. Participants must register in advance to attend this event. Participation is limited to 100 players.