July was a fun-filled month for ALTA!  First was the wonderful celebration of our country on July 4^th.  ALTA/ALPA contributed with a float entry; the theme was "Kids Are Our Future," and featured seven aspiring tennis and pickleball kids along with their tennis-playing family. 

The next day, ALTA held its "First Racquet" clinic, an introduction to the tennis program for fourteen enthusiastic kids, followed by lunch for the kids and our outstanding volunteer coaches. 

Next, it was crisp tennis whites. Strawberries and cream. Overhead smashes, steady groundstrokes, and canny net play.  It must be “Breakfast at Wimbledon” with the Alto Lakes Tennis Association! 

"Welcome to our annual celebration of the All England Lawn and Tennis Championships," said ALTA organizers to 24 members and guests who gathered at Outlaw Courts. 

English-themed "brekkie" treats of fruit-filled scones, crispy fried ham, English "sweets" and, of course, Wimbledon's traditional strawberries and cream awaited the eager players, who toasted the second of tennis' summer Grand Slam events with "bubbly" or orange juice before beginning fun Round Robin play.  

ALTA commemorates each of the summer Grand Slam events, beginning with the French Open in early June, followed by Wimbledon in July, and the U.S. Open in early September. "We also hold our annual ALTA meeting in conjunction with our Wimbledon event," said Barney Adams, ALTA President.  Meeting highlights included the re-election of Belinda Campbell as ALTA Secretary, the overwhelming success of the “First Racquet” program, as well as the affiliation of ALTA with the U.S. Tennis Association (USTA), which allows us to host official USTA tournaments.

With the meeting adjourned, group picture taken, and players properly nourished, Round Robin mixed doubles play began at both Outlaw and Kokopelli Courts. Proving that tennis is a lifetime sport, ability-grouped players of all ages showed spirit, strategy and skill as they aced, lobbed, smashed, spun, sliced, dinked, rallied, and outlasted their opponents.

"This is the most fun I've had playing tennis in a long time," one player said with a grin after a particularly long rally.

"And I didn't know there were so many good players here," commented another.

"That's what it's all about," concluded Barney. "Playing tennis, meeting new players, and having fun." 

Cheerio, Wimbledon! We'll report on the July 26 TRIATHLON, a tennis/pickleball/golf event hosted by ALPA and ALTA, next month.  
             
Yvonne "EV" Lanelli
ALTA Publicity Chair

 
ALTA Parade Theme: "Kids Are Our Future"            ALTA at the 2022 4th of July Parade

  
                               Two ALTA youngsters enjoying activities!

  
                     Wimbledon 2022                                                         First Racquet 2022


      Strawberries & Cream: A Tradition!