“Life is a gift, and it offers us the privilege, opportunity and responsibility to give something back by becoming more.” ~ Anthony Robbins.
The 12th Annual Upper Gwynedd Open Teen Tennis Tournament became more than just about tennis and competing, it became about giving back and helping others. In a chance to showcase the skills they have been developing since the beginning of camp in June, the 32 teens that participated in the tournament not only rallied to win, but rallied for a cause. In an unprecedented move, the teens that participated in the tournament decided to play for food donations for the local food kitchen, “Mana on Main.
The ceremony opened with the Allegiance and GlennAnne Rorie, the Parks and Recreation Director speaking to the players offering words of encouragement. The parents worked as line judges. The younger students worked as ball people. And there was lots of food and prizes to be given away. The air was filled with competition on the courts, friendly conversations off the courts, and the teens occupying themselves with a game of “wall ball” in the backboard court until it was their turn to play.
After the tournament, an award ceremony was held for each level of play. Trophies, medal and flowers adorned the table dressed in a flag tablecloth. Parents and friends gathered and cheered for each of the players.
The food donation was taken to Manna on Main with a paper with all the participating player’s names on it.
The winners are:
Singles
1st Chris Mullen
2nd Same Curlee
3rd Corina Davis
4th Seth Laws
Level 1
1st Matt Oldt & Danielle Davis
2nd Matt Bouknight & Chrstye Hasyn
3rd Amanda Torhus & Isabelle Torhus
1st Anthony Simon & Johnathan Capp
2nd Andrew Simon & Karen Burlingame
3rd Steve Gerhart & Sandeep Siddapureddy
4th Anthony Cubbage & Rowena Rajan
Level 3
1st Abi Natesh & Gisselle Horrell
2nd Corson Chao & Marc Curlee
3rd Micaela Cubit & Ben Curlee
4th Anju Natesh & Kausthubha Yaratha
