Arthur Ashe | Kids Resources

Arthur Ashe Kids Day at the US Open

Did You Know?

In his youth, Ashe was a frail looking child, but he loved sports. Because his father was a caretaker for Brookfield Park in Richmond Virginia, his family lived in the caretaker’s house on the Park grounds. Arthur grew up with tennis courts in his backyard and because he was so small he decided to take up the game. Ronald Charity, the best local player saw Arthur trying to learn the game and began to teach him. Charity then introduced Arthur to Dr. Johnson who became Arthur’s mentor and coached him through his formative years in the game.

Arthur Ashe on the Importance of Education

Arthur Ashe speaks about the importance of education for kids and how tennis can teach young kids broader lessons for life, such as self-sufficiency, hard work and self-esteem.

These clips feature Arthur Ashe explaining why young people should
focus on education primarily. Sports are shown as being useful for
teaching life skills and character, but he is sure to emphasize that
there are very few people who become professional athletes, and that education is insurance for success.

Much of this discussion is centered around the Arthur Ashe Youth Tennis Center and the curriculum’s emphasis on self-sufficiency on and off the court.

Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day

Presented by Hess and produced by the USTA, Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day benefits the National Junior Tennis and Learning (NJTL) network. The NJTL was established by Arthur Ashe, Charlie Pasarell and Sheridan Snyder in 1969 with the mission of developing the character of young people through tennis and education.

USTA/NJTL Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day events August 27 and 28, 2010

  • Demi Lovato kept up the heat with a full stage and hot dance moves!

  • In honor of Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day, Jeanne Moutoussamy-Ashe was asked to ring the closing bell for the NASDAQ stock exchange on August 27. Here, Jeanne reviews her talking points before the run-up to the closing bell begins.

  • The winners posed for pictures with their awards.

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