[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 124 (Tuesday, July 24, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1053]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              RECOGNIZING THE CITI OPEN TENNIS TOURNAMENT

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                       HON. ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON

                      of the district of columbia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 24, 2018

  Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask the House of 
Representatives to recognize the Citi Open Tennis Tournament, taking 
place July 28 through August 5, 2018, in Rock Creek Park, on its 50th 
edition in the District of Columbia. This tournament is not only a 
Washington tennis tradition, but also an economic 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 and his business partner John Harris with the support of 
Arthur Ashe, the first African American to win both the U.S. Open and 
Wimbledon tournaments. Ashe declared he would participate in the 
inaugural tournament under two conditions: that the tournament would 
take place in a naturally integrated neighborhood, and that it would be 
played on public land where all people could come together, enjoy the 
sport and share the experience. Today, the tournament remains at its 
original location, 16th & Kennedy Streets NW, in Rock Creek Park.
  In 1972, Dell gifted the tournament to the Washington Tennis & 
Education Foundation (then called the Washington Area Tennis Patrons), 
a nonprofit organization supporting local education causes for over 
1,500 low-income and underserved children in the District.
  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 over 140 countries, contributing to the city's reputation 
as a tourist destination. Recent economic impact studies found that the 
estimated total gross impact of the Citi Open Tennis Tournament on the 
regional economy exceeds $25 million annually. The tournament is the 
only Association of Tennis Professionals 500 level event in the United 
States and one of only four professional tennis tournaments combining 
men's and women's events. It is also recognized as an international 
level tournament by the Women's Tennis Association.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in 
recognizing the tournament's 50th edition by celebrating ``Tennis Week 
in the District of Columbia,'' commemorated July 28 through August 5, 
2018, as well as acknowledging the Washington Tennis & Education 
Foundation for a world-class sporting event and contributions raised 
for D.C. youth.

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