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What is a NJTL?
The USTA/National Junior Tennis and Learning (NJTL) is a nation-wide network of community tennis organizations seeking to develop the character of young people through tennis and education. Founded in 1969 by Arthur Ashe, Charlie Pasarell, and Sheridan Snyder, this growing network of tennis providers share similar values, ideals, and goals by:
* reaching out to those who may not otherwise have the opportunity to play tennis
* instilling in youngsters the values of leadership and academic excellence
* giving all kids (regardless of income, race, gender) the opportunity to fully develop their tennis skills so they can derive a life time of enjoyment from the sport
NJTLs are unique because they offer a variety of on-court programming and also educational and life-skill components designed to enhance a player's overall development. These educational components are diverse in nature, but can vary from things like mentoring, drug and alcohol counseling, to things like computer skills training, health and nutrition, and college preparation. The NJTL is a great way for kids to get exercise, make friends, and have fun in a team-oriented and safe environment.
This curriculum is offered at little or no cost to the participant. Many of the costs associated with running a program are decentralized by in-kind and monetary support from the USTA, allowing for local chapters/programs to provide high-quality programming for their constituents.
Participants enjoy a number of benefits from joining a NJTL that include: entry to the Arthur Ashe Essay and Art Contest, Tennis Leadership Camps, USTA Southern Camp Scholarships, and much more!
2010 Arthur Ashe Essay and Art Contest
Enter and you could win a trip to New York City for Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day!
This contest is open to all NJTL participants and ends on June 25, 2010. This year’s contests asks participants to write or draw your answer to the following question:
"Some say that winning the 1968 US Open as the first African American male was Arthur Ashe’s greatest accomplishment, what do you think?"
2010 Official Contest Rules
2010 Arthur Ashe Essay & Art Contest Paper Form
2010 Arthur Ashe Essay & Art Contest Online Form
Arthur Ashe was an American hero fighting battles both on and off the court. He broke barriers in the tennis world, becoming a three time grand slam champion, and the first African American male to win a grand slam tournament. Off the court, he was a social activist taking on issues like racial prejudice, AIDS, apartheid, and education. One of his many legacies includes the National Junior Tennis and Learning (“NJTL”), a network of youth serving organizations that provides tennis and education for all. His wish was for NJTL to be a resource for kids to develop skills for leadership and academic excellence. As a participant at one of the 550 NJTL chapters across the country, tell us what you think of Arthur Ashe.
Write and You Could Win a Trip to New York City (open to all contestants age 18 and under participating in an NJTL chapter): Contestants will compete in one of the five age categories listed below. Write your answer to the question, “Some say that winning the 1968 US Open as the first African American male was Arthur Ashe’s greatest accomplishment, what do you think?” in 300 words or less on one written 8.5” x11” page or less and you could be one of ten (10) national winners who win a trip for you and a parent/legal guardian to New York City. Be a VIP at Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day presented by Hess, attend a professional sporting event, see a Broadway show and receive a special award at a luncheon held in your honor. Essays must be in English and will not be returned.
Draw and You Could Win an Award (open to all contestants age 12 and under participating in an NJTL program): Contestants will compete in one of two age categories listed below. Draw a picture or create artwork of your answer to the question, “Some say that winning the 1968 US Open as the first African American male was Arthur Ashe’s greatest accomplishment, what do you think?” and you could be one of eight (8) national winners to win a plaque in your honor. Be creative, but artwork must be flat and no larger than 11” x 14”. Artwork must be in English and will not be returned.
Eligibility: Open to legal residents of the 50 United States and/or D.C., 18 or younger,as of July 10, 2010,who are participants in a program sponsored by a local NJTL Program/Chapter as of January 25, 2010. Visit www.usta.com/njtl for more information.
Prizes: Ten (10) national essay winners will be awarded a trip for two to New York (Aug. 27-29) and will be guests at the 2010 Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day presented by Hess on Aug. 28 (ARV: $1,600.00 each). Eight (8) national art winners will each receive a plaque from USTA/NJTL (ARV: $25.00 each).
Deadline: Entries, including completed entry form, must be submitted online to the USTA at www.usta.com/aaec (essay entries only) or mailed or hand delivered to your local NJTL Program/Chapter between February 1, 2010 and 5:00 PM ET on June 25, 2010 (mail-in entries must be postmarked by June 25, 2010 and received by your local NJTL Program/Chapter no later than July 2, 2010). For a list of all NJTL Programs/Chapters and their addresses visit www.usta.com/njtl.
2009 Arthur Ashe Essay and Art Contest Winners
Congratulations to Chris McKnight and Keegan Rhines, both members of Rising Stars of Kentucky for being selected as this year's winners of the Arthur Ashe Essay Contest! Chris's essay was one of ten selected as a National winner and Keegan's essay was one of seven selected from the Southern Section.
Chris McKnight and Mrs. Ashe on Arthur Ashe Kids' Day at the 2009 US Open
If you have questions about the National Junior Tennis and Learning program, please contact Andrew Walker at 502-491-1290.
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