[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 119 (Monday, July 27, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1129]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    HONORING THE CITI OPEN TENNIS TOURNAMENT AND TENNIS WEEK IN THE 
                          DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON

                      of the district of columbia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 27, 2015

  Ms. NORTON. 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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