HR0194 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0194 LRB103 31712 MST 60280 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, On May 21, 1881, the United States Tennis Association (USTA), originally known as the United States National Lawn Tennis Association, was founded in New York City, New York to create rules and standards for the emerging game of lawn tennis; and

WHEREAS, The USTA is the nonprofit, national governing body for tennis in the United States and leads the promotion and growth of the sport at every level of play, from beginners to professionals at the US Open; and

WHEREAS, The USTA is the largest tennis organization in the world, with over 550,000 members from every corner of the country; and

WHEREAS, The USTA proudly partners with local tennis programs to showcase the important health, social, and educational benefits of tennis and to make the sport available to everyone, regardless of age, environment, condition, or ability, through its USTA Adaptive grants; and

WHEREAS, The latest research by the Physical Activity Council shows that more than 23.6 million Americans played tennis in 2022, an unprecedented 33% increase in participation over 2019 and the highest number of players since the PAC study began in 2007; and

WHEREAS, By increasing the accessibility of tennis for Illinoisans of all ages and ability, the USTA has contributed to making Illinois communities happier and healthier; and

WHEREAS, The USTA has declared the month of May as National Tennis Month to encourage players, organizations, facilities, retailers, tennis manufacturers, and more to promote local programs and activities at parks and facilities, to showcase tennis and spread the word about the sport and its benefits, and to help players and non-players alike find courts and play opportunities in their communities; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we declare May 2023 as "Tennis Month" in the State of Illinois and extend to all those affiliated with the USTA our sincere best wishes for the future; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the USTA as a symbol of our respect and esteem.