West Side Tennis Club Participates in National Night Out Against Crime

August 10, 2017 | By New York Tennis Magazine Staff

Teaching pros and students from the West Side Tennis Club in Forest Hills put on an exciting exhibition of court skills for the National Night Out Against Crime, a national community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships.

“It is a fun event for me” said senior pro Richard Thater, who has coordinated the event for the club since 2009.  “We set up a Quick Start net and create a temporary court next to a park for our programs. Last year young Jack Welz beat me in a basketball dribbling contest, and this year he demonstrated his skills keeping two balls in play simultaneously.”

Jacks Welz’s sister, nine-year old Brooke, served as an assistant coach during the exhibition.  They were joined by Anna Sun, a long-time player in club after school programs.   Jamie Bonter, a coordinator of club programs, along with teaching pro Okam Tuncay, directed the tennis activities.

Former Vice President Joe Biden calls the Night Out a “chance to bring neighborhoods together with the men and women who protect them.   The safety of our communities depends on both law enforcement and the neighbors they serve.  National Night Out enhances that cooperation.”

Millions of neighbors take part in National Night Out across thousands of communities from all fifty states, plus U.S. territories and military bases worldwide on the first Tuesday in August.


New York Tennis Magazine Staff
Oneononedoubles banner art resize
USTA NTC

January/February 2024 Digital Edition