SPORTS WRAP
BY WILLIAM HATHAWAY, JR.
PHOTOS BY FELICIA LAGUERRE OWENS
The East Orange Recreation Department this past Sunday hosted its annual National Tennis Day at Elmwood Park.
Youth and their parents enjoyed the day along with East Orange Mayor Ted Green and East Orange Councilman Sammed R. Monk, who is also the chairperson of the Arts and Recreation and Culture Affairs Committee. Also attending this event was Howell Jordan, the tennis program coordinator.
There were about 20-40 kids that took part in this tennis program in East Orange. Howell said he was excited about the occasion. Also in attendance was longtime coach Mrs. Evelyn Alfaro of the Bowser Tennis Club, who came with her students to play.
The Tennis program has about 15 kids, with ages ranging from 3rd grade through 5th grade. National Tennis Day in East Orange was supported by the United States Tennis Association, in which the Bowser Tennis program recently got a grant to support the youth that participate in the program.
Mayor Green said the United States Tennis Association has been working with the City of East Orange.
“Tennis is a popular sport in East Orange. The community supports this program. The parents and the youth support the program. It’s a good feeling and it’s exciting for the youth,” Green said.
Columbia High School Senior Micah McMillion also came out to the event. McMillion is a coach and said it’s really enjoyable to help the youth.
I also got the opportunity to talk with Isaiah Kissoon, a 4th grade student at Bowser Elementary School. He said that he enjoys taking part in the Tennis Program.
East Orange Recreation has tennis for youth as young as 6 years old and also has senior citizen participation in its year round program.
