Page 10 - LRCC FOCUS September 2021

#LOVELANSING FOCUS MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER 2021

Greater Lansing

Welcomes Men’s

Pro Tennis

Tournament Back
to Michigan

“As we saw in 2019, The Joe D.
Pentecost Foundation Capital
City Tennis Classic will draw first-
class athletes for a week of first-
rate competition,” said Mike Price,
executive director for the GLSA.
“In addition to watching the
competition, locals can get
involved by attending youth clinics,
hosting International players
and participating in volunteer
opportunities. This event has proven
to be a win for the entire region.
We’re excited to welcome them back.”
he Greater Lansing Sports tournament director. “The mission
Authority and the Mid- of the Foundation is to support and East Lansing native, former top-
TMichigan Tennis Association enrich the educational, social, and three player in the world, and
are excited to announce plans to host economic life of the greater Lansing, current CEO of the International
the Joe D. Pentecost Foundation Michigan area, which makes them Tennis Hall of Fame Todd Martin
Capital City Tennis Classic in Greater the perfect fit for us. We want to shares the planner’s enthusiasm
Lansing this fall. The event was the impact our host city positively. And about the event. “I’m very pleased
first men’s professional-level tennis the region is ideal for many reasons. to know that these key local parties
tournament to be held in Michigan Not only is Lansing growing, but have committed to hosting an ITF
when it originated in 2019. Organizers the greater Lansing area has four Transition Tour event. The transition
took a hiatus in 2020 due to Covid-19 racquet clubs that train some of the from amateur to professional
but are enthusiastic about the events top junior players in Michigan and tennis is a massive challenge and
return in November 2021. the Midwest. And of course, East only navigated successfully by few,”
Lansing is the home of men’s and said Martin. “What is happening in
The event is sanctioned by the women’s division 1 collegiate tennis November is an important step on
International Tennis Federation at MSU,” said Cross. “Our central the developmental ladder that all
(ITF) and is expected to draw 74 location makes us an accessible great players have to take.”
participants and 16 teams from 19 destination for anyone in the state.
countries worldwide. Those players Bringing a professional-level tennis The event is scheduled for Nov. 14-21
will compete for $15,000 in prize tournament to Lansing adds to at the MSU Tennis Center in East
money. the great tennis culture we already Lansing. To track updated news and
have. Hopefully, the event inspires information about the event, visit:
“We’re thrilled to partner with the our junior players and brings players www.capitalcitytennisclassic.com.
Joe D. Pentecost Foundation as in from surrounding cities to see all For more information about the
the title sponsor,” said Cody Cross, that Lansing has to offer.” GLSA, visit www.lansingsports.org. l
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