USTA HONORS 15-LOVE PROGRAM
OF THE
CAPITAL REGION YOUTH TENNIS FOUNDATION
AS
USTA/NJTL CHAPTER OF THE YEAR

ALBANY, N.Y., March 16, 2007 -- The USTA recently announced that the 15-LOVE Program of The Capital Region Youth Tennis Foundation was one of five National Junior Tennis League organizations nationwide to have been awarded with the 2006 USTA/NJTL Chapter of the Year Award. The USTA recognizes chapters and programs at five different budget levels. 15-LOVE was recognized at the $150-$499k level.

The mission of the 15-LOVE program, founded in 1990, is to reach out in a loving, caring way to youth of the Capital Region using tennis as the medium. Under the leadership of Executive Director Amber Marino, participants receive free, high quality tennis instruction as well as important life lessons conducted in off-court activities including: an emphasis upon education, good health, family preservation, multi-cultural relationships, and good sportsmanship. Additionally 15-LOVE conducts a College Prep Program that assists high school students in choosing and getting into the college that is right for them and assists in maneuvering the financial aid processes

"We are proud of the work they are doing and are thrilled to be able to recognize them for their hard work and success in using tennis to make a difference in the lives of young people in their community." said Kurt Kamperman, Chief Executive, Community Tennis, USTA.

15-LOVE was formally recognized at an awards banquet, held during the USTA's annual Community Tennis Development Workshop in February at the Atlanta Hilton Hotel in Atlanta, Ga.

To view a video clip about 15-LOVE and this award... click here>>

For more information, contact:
Seth Sylvan, Director, Communications, Community Tennis, USTA
(914) 696-7088; sylvan@usta.com