North Shore special athletes to benefit from tennis tournament | The Lake Forest Leader
March 21, 2017
The Lake Forest Leader
The Northern Suburban Special Recreation Association (NSSRA) announced on March 7 that it was selected as the charitable recipient for the Nielsen USTA Pro Tennis Championship July 10-15 held in Winnetka.
The $100,000 men’s challenger tournament attracts some of the finest tennis players in the world and draws international attention. Net proceeds benefit NSSRA, and in the last 10 years the tournament has donated over $150,000 for programs and services benefiting people with disabilities.
Founded in 1970, NSSRA serves over 1,500 children, teens and adults with disabilities. It is an extension of 10 park districts, two cities and one village in the northern suburbs of Chicago. This partnership includes the Park Districts of Deerfield, Glencoe, Glenview, Highland Park, Kenilworth, Lake Bluff, Northbrook, Northfield, Wilmette and Winnetka; the Cities of Highwood and Lake Forest; and the Village of Riverwoods.
In addition to its Special Olympics Gator Tennis program, NSSRA has nearly 600 recreation, sport, cultural, social, and leisure offerings available during the day, after school, in the evenings and on weekends, creating new experiences, opportunities for leisure time, skill development and perhaps most importantly, friendship. NSSRA’s Gator Athletics/Special Olympics programs span 11 sports with nearly 100 athletes.
“Having been involved with the Nielsen Pro Championship for the past 30 years, I am continually amazed at how the tournament has grown to become such a preeminent USTA event attracting the world’s best tennis players right here in our own backyard,” said Liza McElroy, executive director of the Park District of Highland Park and board member for NSSRA.
NSSRA Executive Director Craig Culp said that he was grateful for the association to be chosen once more.
“The participants, families and staff of NSSRA are so thankful for the generosity of the Nielsen/USTA tournament,” Culp said. He continued, “It’s an honor to once again be chosen as the charitable beneficiary, and our partnership makes a significant impact on the lives of our participants and their families year after year.”
Qualifying matches will begin on July 8, while qualifier finals are on July 10. All matches will be held outdoors at the A.C. Nielsen Tennis Center (530 Hibbard Road. Winnetka). For more information or tickets, visit www.nielsenprotennis.org.