Saturday, August 5, was Grandkids Day on the tennis courts, and many Sun City grandparents brought their grandchildren out to play for the Grandma, Grandpa, and Me (GG & Me) event.
Mare Roccosanto, Vice President of Tall Oaks Tennis Club (TOTC) said, “Thank you GG & Me for letting the Tennis Club put on this event again. Forty-Five minutes before we were ready to start, the courts were wet. It was touch and go with the rain. A little delay did not stop us. Thank you to the Softball Charter Cub for lending us their blowers. Courts were dry in a jiffy.”
TOTC members and a granddaughter, Michelle Barnvos, instructed an age group of young tennis players. Grandkids from ages 4 to 13 were able to experience a variety of planned tennis activities. The grandparents enjoyed watching the kids and helping on the courts.
Nancy Fontana organized the joint Charter Club event and also got the thrill of watching her grandson play.
“I think I was more excited about his forehand than Anthony was,” she said.
Pat Cox, a volunteer tennis member for the event, said, “As a former teacher, it was a trip down memory lane. Watching those cute little four and five-year-olds get so excited over hitting tennis balls just made my day. I also loved the parent involvement and how happy they were to see their kids and grandkids enjoying this special event.”
Nicolas Marin, grandson of tennis player Lorraine Saccaro, said “Everyone was extremely nice and encouraging. I would love to come back. Ken and Duane were great teachers.”
According to the USTA, starting tennis early promotes balance, coordination, agility, and speed, and can create lifelong friendships.
Joyce Ugarte, President of GG & Me said, “My granddaughter, Victoria, had a great time. When asked if she would be back next year, she responded, ‘every year.’”
The participants enjoyed lunch from Culvers and all left with a certificate and a tennis goodie bag.
Roccosanto said, “I don’t know if the kids or I had more fun. I loved my little kiddos. They all did so well. It amazes me the innocence of these kids hitting a ball and getting such great joy. We should all be that happy. They all hit it their own special way.”
