The City of Destin, in partnership with Destin Elementary School, will host the largest tennis lesson in the world on Oct. 30 at 2 p.m. on the sports fields at Destin Elementary School. The current world record is 680 participants (Liverpool, England). The Destin lesson will include approximately 840 participants.
“We are really excited about this opportunity,” said Pat Markey, program coordinator for the city. “Thanks to a grant from the USTA Florida Section Foundation, we will be able to promote tennis to our community in a unique way.”
The event will take place on the sports fields next to Destin Elementary School and will include grades K-4. Destin recreation staff, teachers, coaches, school staff, parents and local tennis professionals, including former World No. 2 professional tennis player Andrea Jaeger, have been working together to make this event a reality.
“We look forward to our children participating in this tennis lesson,” said Janet Stein, principal, Destin Elementary School. “Our students will be very excited to participate in an event that breaks a world record!”
Many organizations have come together to help with the tennis lesson. Sponsors include Merlin’s Pizza, the City of Destin, Destin Elementary School, USTA Florida, USTA Florida Section Foundation, On the Coast Magazine, Signchick Signs and the Destin Wedding Co.
The USTA Florida Section Foundation grant totals $3,500 and was used to purchase the equipment necessary for the lesson. After the event, the equipment will be distributed to the city Recreation Department, Destin Elementary School, the Boys and Girls Club, Rocky Bayou Christian Academy and the Destin Methodist children’s program.
“Interest in tennis has dwindled over the years, and we hope this event will help reintroduce the sport to our kids,” added Markey.
For more information about the event or to volunteer to help, please contact Pat Markey at pmarkey@cityofdestin.com.