15-LOVE AWARDED $15,000 GRANT FROM USTA TENNIS & EDUCATION FOUNDATION

ALBANY (February 24, 2005) - 15-LOVE, a program of the Capital Region Youth Tennis Foundation that uses tennis as a medium to reach its greater goals of promoting multicultural relationships, positive values, good health, fitness, education and family interaction, has been awarded a $15,000 grant from The USTA Tennis & Education Foundation, the philanthropic and charitable entity of the USTA.

The 15-LOVE grant was one of 23 grants in the USTA's final funding cycle for 2004. The number of program grants awarded in 2004 was 40, for a total amount of $785,000.  Combined with scholarship awards, the Foundation distributed more than $1,000,000 in 2004.

The USTA Tennis & Education Foundation awards grants to programs that successfully combine tennis and education and help children pursue their goals and highest dreams by succeeding in school and becoming responsible citizens.

"We are grateful to the USTA for its generous support," said Amber Ablan of Guilderland, 15-LOVE's Executive Director. "These funds will play a vital role in helping us to deliver quality programming that enables children throughout the Capital Region to develop healthy lifestyles and succeed in school."

Founded in 1990 with the support of tennis legend and humanitarian, Arthur Ashe, 15-LOVE provides free tennis clinics at 28 sites in the cities of Albany, Schenectady, Troy and Rensselaer.  Following on-court instruction, children take part in 30-minute off-court workshops designed to teach self-respect, healthy living, discipline, good sportsmanship, and encourage excellence in education.  The program experienced a 57 percent increase in attendance this past summer.

15-LOVE also offers various educational programs and activities, including an Excellence Program designed to help tennis players succeed at competitive play; the Book Power Club, a volunteer-run after school reading program for Arbor Hill Community School students; and, a college preparation and leadership program for high school students.