LCCCTA Celebrates 10 Years
In recent years there has been a groundswell of activity, excitement and passion for the game of tennis.
The emotions behind the sport were brought to the forefront by the Lake City Columbia Community Tennis Association through its programs, classes and clinics.
The LCCCTA held a 10-year anniversary celebration on Thursday afternoon at the tennis courts in Youngs Park, while also celebrating May as National Tennis Month, with people from several areas of the state in attendance.
Mike Null, LCCCTA president, said the 10th anniversary was a special occasion to commemorate.
“It’s so we can maintain our relationship with local government and our sponsoring organizations that help fund us with grants and continue to lay the ground for the future that we can maintain these courts and add more courts,” he said of the celebration.
More than 50 people attended the event which also featured a video slide show presentation at Teen Town, featuring photos from past events through the organization’s decade of work. The constant theme in the photographs was an increasing amount of people participating in the local program.
“That’s why we need these camps and clinics,” Null said. “We even have a scholarship for kids if they don’t have the funds. We’ll cover for that… We just say come with tennis shoes and with an anxiousness to learn the general tennis.”
In addition to celebrating the past 10 years of the LCCCTA, event organizers also acknowledged several individuals who were integral parts of establishing and growing the program.
“We started with a grassroots organization and as a result of having that work, look at where we are now. Look at how many activities we had. Look at how many lives we’ve touched as an organization,” Null said. “We’re not just here to just support the kids, even though that’s our primary focus, the adults are now playing because we have the facilities that we can enjoy. Having our funding members here as well as new board members, we want to have that continuity to continue for generations to come.”
Dolly Robinson, who served as the LCCCTA president for nine years, and Linda Williams served as event coordinators for Thursday’s celebration.
“It’s 10 years that have gone by, but I’m looking for the 10 years that are coming up, because you can see what we’ve accomplished over there,” Robinson said.
“Through volunteers and through grants, we’ve been able to make really great improvements for the city and the citizens of Lake City and Columbia County. It’s especially meaningful when the city and Columbia County work together and put up the safety structure. That was the key and that’s because we’re trying to get people on board for a common cause… It’s just a good sport for everybody. I’ve had a passion for it for many years and I still do. I love to see the children out here.”
Lake City Columbia Community Tennis Association members and guests who have a tremendously positive influence on the program and its development, pose for a picture on Thursday afternoon in Teen Town during the organization’s 10th Anniversary celebration event. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)
We're proud to celebrate a decade of passion, growth, and love for the game! From first-time players to seasoned pros. Enjoy our special slideshow featuring moments from the past 10 years. Thank you again to everyone who's helped us grow into the vibrant community tennis association we are today. Here's to the next 10 🎾
