The Mayor Dinkins' Cup is the largest free junior interscholastic tennis competition in the nation, with players from all over New York City representing public, parochial, and private schools. Formerly the Mayor's Cup, New York Junior Tennis & Learning (NYJTL) renamed the tournament the Mayor Dinkins' Cup to honor David N. Dinkins, NYC's first Black Mayor and NYJTL Board Member for 35 years. This year’s Mayor Dinkins’ Cup will be held at The Cary Leeds Center for Tennis & Learning from May 26 to June 5.
"Renaming the NYJTL Mayor’s Cup in honor of Mayor David N. Dinkins’ is extra special for our organization as the late Mayor was actively involved in our grassroots efforts, whether it be this championship or at our annual National Essay Contest, throughout his long-standing tenure on our board," says Udai Tambar, NYJTL CEO & President." "His devotion to the service of NYC children and tennis was evident to all that encountered him and I am happy that his life-long passions will continue to be championed through our work. Now every NYC youth will have the opportunity to play in this tournament bearing his name."
History of Mayor Dinkins' Cup
Working closely with the Public School Athletic League (PSAL), Catholic High School Athletic Association (CHSAA), local private school coaches and tennis supporters, NYJTL formed a tournament committee which created the unique format of team and individual events in both singles and doubles competitions. With the support of so many, the formerly named NYJTL Mayor’s Cup became a reality in 1988 and has continued to engage the community ever since.
The NYJTL Mayor Dinkins' Cup has offered both individual and team competitions for more than 800 elementary, middle, and high school students. Similar to the NCAA Championships, students of all levels have the opportunity to represent their school as well as to compete in individual events.
NYJTL Scholarships
NYJTL’s vision is to enable youth to grow with the game and it is proud to recognize outstanding youth who excel in tennis, academics, and character. Through the newly established Louis Marx, Jr. Educational Scholarship, Victor Kiam “Going For It” Scholarship, and AYS Leadership & Innovation Scholarship, NYJTL is able to recognize exceptional achievement and award college scholarships to outstanding students. NYJTL scholarships will be awarded June 5 at 2 pm at the closing ceremony.
For more Information. please visit nyjtl.org/mayor-dinkins-cup/ or contact Tournament Director Michele Cope at mayordinkinscup@nyjtl.org.
