Local tennis event benefits Special Olympics

The Santa Barbara Tennis Club and Santa Barbara Tennis Patrons will team up for Special Olympics Santa Barbara this Saturday presenting the 5th Annual Tennis Classic to be held at the Santa Barbara Tennis Club, 2375 Foothill Rd, at 1pm.

A Men’s and Women’s Doubles tournament fundraiser, to benefit Special Olympics, as well as a Special Olympics Unified Tournament will take place. The Unified Tournament will pair Special Olympics athletes from Santa Barbara and Santa Maria with doubles partners from UCSB, Westmont, SBCC and Santa Barbara area high schools.

The Tennis Classic will begin with opening ceremonies at 1:00pm followed by the Men’s and Women’s Doubles Tournament and Special Olympics Unified Tournament. An awards ceremony and after party will take place once the competitions are finished at 4pm.

The Tennis Classic is free for spectators to attend and community members of all ages are encouraged to come and witness the skills of our local athletes.

The Classic Committee headed by CathyAnn Simon, Ethel Byers, Liz Frech, John Kinsella, Sue McCue, Jerry Siegel, athlete Steve Glick and Special Olympics staff Michelle Duke and Tim Phillibosian expect an inspiring and exciting event for all. The Santa Barbra Tennis Patrons have supported the Special Olympics tennis team by hosting the tournament, donating equipment and encouraging members to volunteer. Thank you to our 2014 tournament sponsors: Santa Barbara Tennis Patrons, Santa Barbara Tennis Club, Bank of the West, Kammunity Properties, Head Penn, USTA Southern California, Sabra, Pacific Beverage, Santa Barbara Bar, Bob Apetit, Yogurtland, and The Tennis Shop.