CINCINNATI OPEN AND GREAT AMERICAN INSURANCE GROUP REFURBISH COMMUNITY TENNIS COURTS AT WITHROW HIGH SCHOOL

Story and photo courtesy of Cincinnati Open

MASON, OH -- The Cincinnati Open, in partnership with Great American Insurance Group and the Cincinnati Tennis Foundation, has completed the refurbishment of community tennis courts at Withrow University High School, giving local youth a safe place to play.

The project repaired cracks and fully resurfaced six courts, with tournament partner Har-Tru donating the playing-surface paint. The resurfacing is part of a joint effort between the Cincinnati Open and Great American to refurbish tennis courts in under-resourced areas across the city.

“These courts are where so many children in our city begin their journey in tennis,” said Nikki Cioffi, Executive Director of the Cincinnati Tennis Foundation. “We are grateful for the opportunity to give these players an upgraded experience, with safe, newly resurfaced courts to play on.”

"We have a goal to invest in our local communities and promote opportunities for youth to grow through playing tennis,” said Bob Moran, Tournament Director of the Cincinnati Open. “Refurbishing these courts is an example of that commitment in action. When kids have a quality place to play every season, that's the spirit of the Cincinnati Open tournament showing up where it matters most."

The Withrow courts host nearly 1,000 youth and adaptive athletes every outdoor season through the Cincinnati Tennis Foundation’s school-based programs with qualified coaches. The programming includes an eight-week Cincy Scholars summer camp, which provides tennis instruction along with reading, literacy and nutrition programming to under-resourced youth.

Co-CEOs of American Financial Group Carl Lindner III and Craig Lindner said: “We are pleased to broaden the impact of Great American Insurance Group’s sponsorship of the Cincinnati Open with this important community initiative. The refurbished tennis courts at Withrow University High School provide safe places for recreation and educational opportunities, particularly in our under-served communities.”

Repairing and resurfacing the courts is part of the Cincinnati Open’s ongoing commitment to giving back to the local community. Other community-focused initiatives will take place during the upcoming tournament, such as Community Weekend, a partnership with RIDE Cincinnati, Aces for Kids and Cincy Serves.

As a part of Community Weekend, Great American is providing 20 Withrow students the opportunity to learn tennis from the best. With a clinic hosted by Cincinnati Tennis Foundation and special appearance by a tennis legend, these students can experience tennis on the big stage at the Cincinnati Open then take those skills back to their brand-new home courts.

The Cincinnati Tennis Foundation will also serve as programming partner during the Cincinnati Open for on-court clinics and activities as well as the ellesse Junior Championships.

The Cincinnati Open kicks off Saturday with Community Weekend and runs Aug. 8-23.

Tickets are on sale now at cincinnatiopen.com.

More News from Mason

• CRG Residential Broke Ground on $50 Million Development in Hamilton Township Officials from Hamilton Twp, the community, and CRG Residential representatives were present to mark the ceremonial start of construction.
• A Quiet Hand Behind Warren County’s Growth Has Taken A New Position In MIddletown Martin Russell leaves nearly two decades of public service in Warren County as he moves into the position of Assistant City Manager for Middletown, Ohio.