Friday, May. 09, 2008
Annual Tournament Benefitting SafeHaven to Draw Players from Across Metroplex
By Rita Cook
Contributing Writer
The tournament, which will be at the Southlake Tennis Center in Southlake, is a ladies doubles tournament originally put together by a group of women belonging to Mid-Cities SOS who like to play tennis and wanted to raise awareness about domestic violence in the area.
The Southlake Tennis Center got involved several years ago and has become the established location for the event.
"Mia and Stephen Poorman, directors at the center, have donated many of their hours to help organize and run the event," notes Elaine Terry, event chairwoman.
The annual tournament attracts players from Southlake, Grapevine, Colleyville, Hurst, Euless, Bedford, Arlington, Weatherford, Flower Mound, Coppell, Fort Worth, Irving and Dallas.
"Last year we even had women who had moved away from Texas return to play in the event," Terry said.
When the tournament first began it was only a one-day event that raised just $200. Since then the tournament has grown to 270 participants during a three-day period, and the group has now raised a total of more than $30,000 for SafeHaven.
Jane Wood, an SOS member, said: "I believe the longevity and expansion of the Mid-Cities SOS Tennis Tournament can be attributed to these factors: the loyalty of the returning players and sponsors, the ongoing support of the city of Southlake, most notably the directors and staff at The Southlake Tennis Center and to the tournament’s leadership.
""This event is one of the more effective means we have of creating awareness of family violence and of the refuge and support that is available at SafeHaven of Tarrant County," Wood said.
The tournament offers all levels of play from 2.5 to 4.5 USTA ratings.
"Even though most women are competitive in their tennis, they realize this tournament is played in a more fun, social format," Terry said.
Play begins at 9 a.m. A continental breakfast and boxed lunches donated by Central Market will be included. Guests can also look forward to goody bags, basket raffles and awards.
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