News Summary
The Scheper Tennis Academy hosted a fundraiser at the Beaufort Tennis Courts celebrating the 75th anniversary of Althea Gibson breaking the color barrier in tennis. This significant event, supported by the American Tennis Association and local businesses, highlighted the importance of inclusivity in the sport, honoring the contributions of both past and present African American athletes in tennis.
Beaufort – The Scheper Tennis Academy celebrated a significant milestone on Saturday by hosting a fundraiser at the Beaufort Tennis Courts. The event commemorated the 75th anniversary of Althea Gibson breaking the color barrier with the U.S. Lawn and Tennis Association, now known as the U.S. Tennis Association. This historical achievement opened the doors for African American players in tennis and helped pave the way for future stars, including Arthur Ashe, Venus Williams, Serena Williams, and Coco Gauff.
The fundraiser was generously sponsored by the American Tennis Association (ATA), Bricks on Boundary, and Maryland Fried Chicken. The event was free to the public and provided attendees with food, beverages, and various tennis activities, allowing the community to engage in the sport while honoring its rich history.
The ATA, established in 1916, is the oldest black sports organization in the United States and was the first platform that allowed Black players to compete on a national level. Over the years, the organization has played a significant role in promoting growth and inclusivity in the sport, providing a pathway for many prominent players, coaches, and contributors in tennis history. The annual ATA National Tournament in Orlando serves as a celebration of athletic excellence and Black history in tennis, drawing hundreds of African American players to participate. In 2025, the ATA will launch the Black Tennis Experience, which will include the National Tournament, an Awards Gala, and a Celebrity Pro-Am, with an anticipated economic impact of nearly $1 million.
Alongside these events, the ATA currently boasts over 4,000 members and conducts the historical ATA National Championships, which began in 1917 with just three events but has since expanded to five major events annually. This year’s National Championships carry the theme, “Honoring Legacy, Building the Future,” reflecting on the past accomplishments while looking towards a promising future.
The community also marked another significant event this week with the 53rd Southern Junior Championship being held at Dataw Island. As a vital aspect of enhancing local tennis culture, the Beaufort Tennis Center, which is the largest public tennis facility in northern Beaufort County, recently underwent a substantial $630,000 renovation. Improvements included new courts, nets, hardware, fences, gates, and ADA-compliant sidewalks. Additional enhancements incorporated rain gardens, ensuring a more sustainable environment for all visitors. The tennis courts have been a presence in the community since at least the 1960s and are expected to attract players for both tournaments and training opportunities.
Larry Scheper, who oversees his own tennis academy while also coaching at Beaufort Academy, actively engages the local youth through clinics designed for both young players and adults. Scheper focuses on instilling a strong work ethic and high aspirations in his students, fostering a supportive environment for skill development and personal growth. As a competitor himself, Scheper is a high-ranking player in the men’s age 45 category and has competed in the prestigious 95th Annual American Tennis Association National Championships.
The Scheper Tennis Academy’s fundraiser not only celebrated a pivotal moment in tennis history but also served as a reminder of the ongoing commitment to fostering an inclusive and vibrant tennis community. The efforts of the ATA and local organizations continue to promote participation and excellence within the sport, ensuring that the legacy of trailblazers like Althea Gibson remains an integral part of tennis culture.
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Additional Resources
- Your Island News: Scheper Tennis Academy Hosts Tennis Party
- Wikipedia: Althea Gibson
- Island Packet: Beaufort News
- Google Search: Arthur Ashe
- Your Island News: Larry Scheper – A Hometown Tennis Hero
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Venus Williams
Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT
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