About this video: "Kids"

Video courtesy of 60 Minutes, The Arthur Ashe Youth Tennis Center

Arthur Ashe speaks about the importance of education for kids and how tennis can teach young kids broader lessons for life, such as self-sufficiency, hard work and self-esteem.

These clips feature Arthur Ashe explaining why young people should focus on education primarily. Sports are shown as being useful for teaching life skills and character, but he is sure to emphasize that there are very few people who become professional athletes, and that education is insurance for success. Much of this discussion is centered around the Arthur Ashe Youth Tennis Center and the curriculum's emphasis on self-sufficiency on and off the court.

The Arthur Ashe Essay Contest

The Arthur Ashe Essay Contest is sponsored annually by the USTA/NJTL. It asks USTA/NJTL participants to explain in 300 words or less why Arthur Ashe is a tennis legend. Winners receive a trip to New York City that includes attending Arthur Ashe Kids' Day at the U.S. Open.
View Additional Information about the Arthur Ashe Essay Contest »

More Kid Related Videos

Daddy and Me The narrated story of a father and daughter - Arthur and Camera Ashe

Current Events

USTA/NJTLNational Arthur Ashe Essay Contest Winners
http://www.arthurashe.org/kids/essays/

Arthur Ashe Kids' Day - August 23

2008
http://www.usopen.org/arthur_ashe_kids_day/
fullstory.sps?iType=13846&iNewsid=405543

2007
http://2007.usopen.org/en_US/news/articles/
2007-08-25/200708251188085038968.html

Accolades for Patrick McEnroe, Donald Dell, and Chip Mason at the 2007 WTEF Tennis Ball

Kid Related Arthur Ashe Legacy Resources

Arthur Ashe Children's Program
Washington, D.C.
http://www.wtef.org/programs_dscr.html#aacp
Reaching 450 at-risk 2nd through 9th graders a year, this after school program works on tennis, academics and life skills. Every day has a prescribed amount of time for homework and one-on-one help. In addition, tennis instruction is provided on school and neighborhood tennis courts. These activities help keep kids involved in school and foster self-esteem and confidence.

Safe Passage Tennis Program
Los Angeles, CA
http://www.lajcc.org/sptp/index.html
Using tennis as a tool to teach self-esteem, character and discipline, Safe Passage brings together educators, tennis professionals, parents and volunteers to run in-school and after school tennis programs. Kids enroll between the ages of 5-12 and can choose to continue in the program all the way through high school, to age 18.

Virginia Heroes
Richmond, VA
http://www.virginiaheroes.org/
Founded by Arthur Ashe in 1991, Virginia Heroes provides middle school students in Richmond with mentors who help them to develop life and decision making skills. Through visits to local colleges and universities, the program also encourages students to think about their opportunities for higher education.

Kid Related Resources

Activity Village
http://www.activityvillage.co.uk/index.htm
Website with learning games aimed at kids, similar to funbrain.

Arthur Ashe Kids Day at the US Open
http://www.usopen.org/arthur_ashe_kids_day/
fullstory.sps?iType=13846&iNewsid=405543

FunBrain.com
http://www.funbrain.com/index.html
Games with learning components for kids, also huge teacher activity section of site

Reading is Fundamental
http://www.rif.org/

View full list of resources »