15-LOVE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR RECEIVES USTA/EASTERN'S

2004 COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD:

Amber Ablan of Guilderland Honored for Advancing Tennis, Life Skills

Among Capital Region's Multicultural Communities

ALBANY (February 10, 2005) - Amber Ablan of Guilderland, executive director of 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 the United States Tennis Association (USTA)/Eastern section's Community Service Award for 2004.

The award, which honors "outstanding service by a person or organization actively involved in promoting tennis through community centers, schools, parks, community tennis associations and/or inner city programs," was handed out at USTA Eastern's Annual Awards Luncheon Jan. 22 at the Rye Brook Hilton, Rye Brook, N.Y.

"Although I'm honored to receive this award, 15-LOVE is successful because of the wonderful individuals and volunteers who are involved in the program," said Ablan. "Their hard work and dedication to our mission are instrumental to the organization's continued success."

Under Ablan's leadership, the organization, which provides free tennis clinics in conjunction with 30-minute off-court workshops designed to teach self-respect, healthy living, discipline and good sportsmanship at 28 Capital Region sites, experienced a 57 percent increase in attendance last summer.

Ablan was also instrumental in helping the organization, which was founded in 1990 with the support of tennis legend and humanitarian, Arthur Ashe, get selected recently as one of 23 national "capacity building programs" by the USTA/National Junior Tennis League. As a result of this designation, 15-LOVE will receive access to technical assistance from USTA/NJTL staff for three years in all areas of on-court instruction and off-court programming, thereby further helping to strengthen its overall mission.

Other educational programs and activities of 15-LOVE also continue to thrive. They include 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.

"Amber has nurtured 15-LOVE for many years and the results of her hard work are evident,"added USTA/Regional Director David Gregoire. "She has reached into our communities and touched the lives of so many inner city kids, not only with tennis, but also with mentoring and reading programs. Her guidance and ever present encouraging words are invaluable."

Established in 1881, the USTA is the national governing body for the sport and the recognized leader in promoting and developing the growth of tennis on every level in the United States from local communities to the crown jewel of the professional game, the US Open. The not-for-profit organization is the largest tennis organization in the world with 17 regional sections, more than 640,000 members, thousands of volunteers and a professional staff dedicated to growing the sport.

A native of Carthage, New York, Ablan is a graduate of The College of St. Rose and Villanova University.