By Staff
WORKING ON HIS FOREHAND Ben Pearson, 11, practices his tennis swing at Northeast Park Tennis Center. He has taken lessons for more than a year. Photo by Carisa McCain / the meridian star
By Chris Whitaker / staff writer
May 17, 2002
Families can have fun and learn basic tennis techniques at a free carnival Sunday, from 2 p.m.-4 p.m., at Northeast Park Tennis Center.
The event is sponsored by the local chapter of the Southern United States Tennis Association in honor of Tennis is a Family Affair Month.
The co-ordinator is Michelle Pearson.
Six courts will be used for sessions on serving, forehand and backhand swings, and other drills. A speed clock will measure the velocity of serves. Prizes go to participants if they are hit by a ball.
On-duty tennis pro Dave Trebisky said this is the event's second year; last year, more than 50 people attended.
Trebisky teaches at the center each day and has coached a number of young athletes. Pearson has two children Katie, 14, and Ben, 11. Both have worked with Trebisky. Pearson said both children now take part in tennis tournaments.
Katie won the 3A District State Championship two weeks ago. Other parents are also getting their children involved in Sunday's event.
Karen Davis has been active with the center for a year and a half.
Davis has a 10-year old daughter, Brittany, who is coached by Trebisky. Davis said the event built her self-esteem and she feels like she can do everything now.
Pearson said the United State Tennis Association is trying to break the image that tennis is a sport only for wealthy people.
He also wants to spread the message that all age groups can enjoy the game from children to senior citizens.