The USTA named the Atlanta Community Tennis Association (ACTA) as the 2004 National Community Tennis Association of the Year. The ACTA was honored before more than 600 community tennis leaders at the annual USTA Community Tennis Development Workshop February 4-7 at the Sandestin Resort. in Destin, Fla.
The ACTA was founded in 1980 as a non-profit, volunteer-run tennis league. Today it operates under the leadership of a Board of Directors, an Executive Committee, Executive Director Matt Olson and a full-time staff of five people who facilitate a diverse breadth of tennis programs and services that extend to over 35,000 adult members and 45,000 participants.
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| Matt Olson and Doneeta Case |
With a mission “to promote the development of USTA programs and the sport of tennis within the metro-Atlanta area,” the ACTA offers USA League Tennis, USTA Southern COMBO Doubles, the USTA Atlanta/Nike Pro Challenge League, the USTA Atlanta Singles League Sponsored by Gold’s Gym, USA Team Tennis on College Campus and the Wilson Pre Collegiate League (High School). The ACTA also runs a Youth Development After-School Program, which offers tennis lessons and tutoring to over 1,500 inner city youth at 13 sites.
The ACTA operates a Youth Foundation that is funded by grants from the Atlanta Falcon Youth Foundation, Finish Line Youth Foundation and in-kind donations. The addition of ATP touring pro Robby Ginepri as an Advisory Board member and his decision to support the Youth Foundation has expanded its fundraising capabilities. “Through its exceptional tennis programs, dedicated corps of volunteers, strategic community partnerships, effective planning, and pervasive marketing and public relations, the Atlanta Community Tennis Association has become a thriving organization,” said Lee Hamilton, Executive Director & COO, USTA. “We proudly award this national honor to a model of excellence.”
"Our entire organization is ecstatic and flattered about receiving this award from the USTA,” said Matt Olson, Executive Director, ACTA. “Being recognized by the USTA with their most prestigious award for community tennis associations truly serves as acknowledgment for all the hard work and dedication from our amazing staff and dedicated volunteers."
ACTA was honored for 2004 CTA of the year by USTA Georgia at their October Community Development Workshop and Annual Meeting. USTA Atlanta was also the recipient of the "Special Tennis Event" award for their "Michelob Ultra Ultimate Tennis Party of the Summer" for the USTA Southern Section. The party was a giant tennis event held at Racquet Club of the South on August 8 to celebrate the summer USA League Tennis season and the Nike Pro Challenge League.