LAYC's Pancho Gonzalez Youth Tennis Academy Recognized as Organization of the Year

A few months shy of celebrating its first year anniversary, LAYC’s  Pancho Gonzalez Youth Tennis Academy was recognized as Organization of the Year by USTA/Washington Tennis Association.

The organization of the year is presented to a Washington Tennis Association member to recognize outstanding service to the local community, to the organization members, and to the game of tennis.

“{As a new program} this is a big honor because there are already established programs in the area,” said Michel Leon, LAYC’s WARD 4 team leader.

Last May 5, 2007, LAYC inaugurated the Pancho Gonzalez Tennis Academy at Powell Elementary School in Washington DC.

During the ribbon-cutting ceremony, LAYC staff, special guests: Michael and Gregory Gonzales, Pancho Gonzales’s son and nephew, former touring pro Mary Joe Fernandez, Powell Elementary School’s Principal, Lucia Vega, DC’s Office of Latino Affairs Director, Mercedes Lemp and the community at large welcomed LAYC’s first effort to provide low-income immigrant and minority youth in the Washington metropolitan area the opportunity to learn and enjoy a sport.

With support from Ms. Vega, LAYC rehabilitated outdoor space at Powell Elementary into top quality tennis courts. The demand and interest by young people and parents was such that the summer program was extended year-round m and tennis became an official part of  Powell’s physical education curriculum. More than 100 students have enrolled in the tennis academy since it opened.

LAYC’s Pancho Gonzalez Tennis Academy is the first in the nation to memorialize tennis champion Richard Alonso Gonzalez, known as Pancho Gonzalez. “Pancho Gonzalez was the first Latino to ever be inducted into the hall of fame. He broke barriers,” said Leon.

Like many of the youth LAYC serves, Pancho Gonzalez was the son of immigrant parents. Naming the academy after Mr. Gonzalez is LAYC’s recognition of one of the country’s greatest tennis players.

In the coming months, LAYC will commemorate the academy’s first anniversary and will organize DC’s first Latino Friendship Tennis Cup from August 30 to September 1^st.

For more information about the academy and to learn more about Pancho Gonzalez click here.