Beach Tennis USA (BTUSA), the official sanctioning body for beach tennis (under the International Tennis Federation and with permission from the United States Tennis Association) is hosting its first Grade 1/ITF event on Fort Myers Beach at the Holiday Inn. Officially named the Publishers Printing Company BTUSA Sunshine Open, the event will take place April 19th through the 21st. This family-friendly, fun for all ages event is offered at no cost.
The best players from around the world will hit the sand to compete in the three-day event. Players hail from USA, Brazil, Venezuela, Puerto Rico, Italy, France, Aruba, Russia and other nations. More than 100 players in total are expected to make an appearance.
Kicking off the event and sponsored by Pagelli’s, the public is invited to a VIP cocktail reception and silent auction on Friday, April 19th at the Holiday Inn. Serving as a fundraiser for local charities, tickets are $75 per couple or $50 each. Couples receive four complimentary beverages, singles receive two and both can enjoy the silent auction with packages including tickets to major sporting events including a Knicks, Ranger and Yankees games, and even a two-night stay at the Holiday Inn Fort Myers Beach. Portions of the reception and tourney will benefit local charities including the Harry Chapin Food Bank, Gulf Coast Humane Society and the Lee County Tennis Association.
In addition to the pro competition BTUSA is hosting advanced and amateur levels of play. Newcomers are also welcome to try the sport for $10 for the day, subject to availability. For event details and schedule please go to beachtennisusa.net.
“We are very excited to bring the inaugural 2013 BT event to Fort Myers Beach this year,” said Marc Altheim, Founder/CEO of BTUSA. “Our local partner, Pat Glaunert of Three Oaks Tennis, has done an incredible job of organizing this event. With his expertise we have decided to make the metro Fort Myers area a model city for Beach Tennis and All-Volley Tennis programming.
Beach Tennis, a combination of volleyball, tennis and paddleball, takes the best parts of each sport to create something exciting and fun for all ages and it’s growing around the world. The International Tennis Federation expects to oversee more than 90 tournaments this year on 6 continents. In the USA there will be at least eight major events this season. For more information, contact Marc Altheim at (917) 453-7502 or [email protected] or Jim Lorenzo at (917) 559-4497.
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