2010 USTA Eve Kraft Community Service Award - Helen M. Petersen

The USTA is proud to recognize Helen M. Petersen of Indianapolis, Indiana, as our Eve F. Kraft Community Service Award honoree for 2010.

Ms. Petersen was formally recognized during the USTA's annual Community Tennis Development Workshop held on January 22-24, 2010 in San Diego, California.

The USTA bestows the Eve F. Kraft Community Service Award upon individuals who perpetuate Krafts selfless mission to bring the game of tennis to everyone who wants to play. Eve F. Kraft was a tennis pioneer whose ability to touch peoples lives exceeded the boundaries of the tennis court. As a teacher, coach, author, USTA staff member and volunteer, Kraft was a lifelong champion of recreational tennis in the United States until her death in 1999. She introduced thousands of young people to the game of tennis, particularly in disadvantaged communities.

Helen Moser Petersen has been at the forefront of tennis in Indianapolis. In 1990, Petersen organized and incorporated the Hamilton County Tennis Association, a Community Tennis Association (CTA) that promotes numerous tennis programs, including the National Junior Tennis League (NJTL). She serves as president of the nonprofit CTA, whose mission is to create championship citizens through tennis.

During the school year, the CTA sponsors after-school tennis programs in six public school systems involving more than 500 elementary students, and in the summer months, tennis programs continue in various Hamilton County locations for kids and adults. The CTA awards college scholarships and offers opportunities for education and community service activities. Four years ago, Petersen launched the Community Reads program to reinforce the value of reading, build team unity and foster a sense of community by reading books such as Arthur Ashe's autobiography, Days of Grace, among others.

Petersen has had the opportunity to work directly with tennis pioneers Arthur Ashe and Eve Kraft, for whom this award is named. A 4.5 level USTA League tennis player, Petersen also is very active at the Carmel Racquet Club, where she serves as the editor of the clubs newsletter.

"In the spirit of Eve Kraft, Helen understands that tennis is an ideal vehicle to impart important ideals such as wellness, sportsmanship and citizenship to youth," said Kurt Kamperman, Chief Executive, Community Tennis, USTA. "We honor Helen's contributions to tennis and her efforts to make it accessible to all."

For more information and videos, go to http://www.usta.com

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

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• USTA
• tennis
• 2010
• CTDW
• Eve Kraft
• Community Service
• Community
• Nonprofit
• Activism
• Petersen
• Helen