Honoring the Citi Open Tennis Tournament and Tennis Week in the District of Columbia

Floor Speech

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Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask the House of Representatives to honor the Citi Open Tennis Tournament, taking place August 1-9, 2015, in Rock Creek Park, and to recognize these dates as ``Tennis Week'' in the District of Columbia. All are invited to attend the 47th installment of this Washington tennis tradition, a cultural, economic, and community staple in the region.

The Washington tennis tournament, now known as the Citi Open Tennis Tournament, was founded in 1969 by tennis legend and Hall of Famer Donald Dell, along with business partner John Harris, and with the support of Arthur Ashe. Ashe declared he would participate in the inaugural tournament under two conditions: the tournament would take place in a naturally integrated neighborhood, and it would be played on public land where all people could come together, enjoy the sport, and share the experience. Today, the tournament remains in its original location on 16th & Kennedy Streets NW, in Rock Creek Park.

In 1972, Donald Dell gave the tournament charter to the Washington Tennis & Education Foundation (then called the Washington Area Tennis Patrons Foundation), a nonprofit organization supporting local education causes for children.

The Citi Open Tennis Tournament draws the best players in the world, making D.C. a global tennis destination. The tournament is also seen on television in 182 countries. A 2014 economic impact study found that the estimated total gross impact of the Citi Open on the regional economy is more than $26 million. The tournament is the only Association of Tennis Professionals 500 level event in the United States, and it is one of only four professional tennis tournaments combining men's and women's events.

Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in recognizing ``Tennis Week in the District of Columbia'' for the Citi Open Tennis Tournament, celebrated August 1-9, as well as the Washington Tennis & Education Foundation for their outstanding efforts to run a world-class sporting event and contributions to D.C. youth.

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