Midland’s Dow Tennis Classic Inspires Next Generation of Players
Guest Blogger
| 3 min read
The Greater Midland Tennis Center will be serving up great tennis, food and fun at the 31st annual Dow Tennis Classic (DTC).
The event, held Jan. 28 through Feb. 3, brings top talent from across the world to compete. Some of the largest names in the tennis community have played in past editions of the DTC, as the likes of Maria Sharapova, Li Na, Justine Henin, and Mary Pierce – just to name a few – have graced the courts of the Greater Midland Tennis Center.
While there’s lots of high-profile tennis to be played and watched throughout the week, the Dow Tennis Classic stands for so much more than just what happens on the courts. The DTC is an event that engages all members of the community, with a large focus on youth participation. Everybody involved with the event hopes to inspire the next generation of athletes in the tennis community.
Throughout tournament week, local kids can participate in a High School Play Day, a Star Wars Kids’ Day, and new for 2019, the KidsZone, sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. This interactive area will have a bevy of fun activities for kids such as a bounce house, ga-ga pit, racing simulators, STEM kits, ABC workout stations and more.
During both the high school and kids’ play days, youth of all ages are able to hit the courts and play like the pros, while the touring professionals will also interact with over 3,000 kids from 32 area schools, encouraging kids to work hard and get involved.
But don’t worry, the kids won’t be the only ones who get to play during the Dow Tennis Classic. On top of plenty of great tennis to spectate, there will be events for adults as well. During tournament week, the DTC will host a pair of opportunities to get on the courts with the “Sweat it Off with the Pros” event and the Pro-Am with the Pros. In addition, each night will feature themed dinner events culminating with 80s Night featuring the band Jedi Mind Trip and the “Love is in the Air” Date Night with the band CEYX on Friday and Saturday nights, respectively.
If you weren’t already planning on it, make sure you make a trip to check out all the activities going on at the Dow Tennis Classic later this month. Tickets can be purchased at dowtennisclassic.com.
About the author: Zach Hanson is a senior at Northwood University in Midland, Michigan, majoring in Entertainment, Sports, and Promotions Management. He’s currently working as a Communications Intern at the Greater Midland Tennis Center. Zach grew up in Alma, Michigan, playing baseball, basketball, and soccer. Zach is involved with youth sports in Midland, coaching soccer and encouraging kids to live a healthy and active lifestyle.
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Photo credit: FamVeld
