On Friday, just one week after his remarkable run to the US Open semifinals, JTCC alumnus Frances Tiafoe was welcomed home with loud cheers of appreciation by more than 500 JTCC supporters including Prince George’s County leaders, officials, and residents.
Festivities on the JTCC Pershing Square Center Court began with County Executive Angela Alsobrooks declaring September 16, 2022, Frances Tiafoe Day in Prince George’s County recognizing the world #19 professional tennis player for his accomplishments.
WTOP radio host Frank Hanrahan introduced JTCC CEO Ray Benton, Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission Chairman Peter Shapiro, Council Member Danielle Glaros and State Delegate Joseline Pena-Melnyk as each gave stirring remarks about the Hyattsville native.
Tiafoe’s parents, Alphina and Constant, who emigrated from Sierra Leone in the early 1990’s during a period of civil war, spoke poignantly about their son. A group of supporters wearing and waving the Sierra Leone flag from were in attendance to help celebrate and show their support.
The Prince George’s County native had to wait for chants of “Ti-a-foe” echoing throughout the stadium to quiet before thanking the county and program where he got his start playing tennis.
“This is a day when I am truly Prince George’s County Proud, and I hope to continue to be a role model,” said Tiafoe invoking the county’s tagline.
Attendees were treated to food and drinks, received Tiafoe photos and fans, answered trivia questions to win Tiafoe bobbleheads and JTCC towels, and had the opportunity to meet Tiafoe for a personal autograph on their way out.
Check out more stories on the celebration below!
NBC Washington: https://rb.gy/7wpifv
Fox: https://youtu.be/ZoZp9JH3XM4
DC News Now: https://rb.gy/0uj9g5
Washington Post: https://rb.gy/i6d86z
WUSA: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XpxHG_zHstE
About JTCC: JTCC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to transforming lives through tennis. The organization was founded in 1999 to provide high performance premier tennis instruction to motivated junior players in pursuit of college scholarships. Since JTCC’s founding, over 300 alumni have earned more than $23 million in athletic scholarships and financial aid to top colleges, including Harvard, University of Virginia, Howard, and Williams.
JTCC’s mission is “Tennis for Everybody”, a commitment to making the sport and its benefits accessible to all, regardless of age, ability, and financial situation. The organization’s Neighborhood Youth Outreach (NYO) program brings grassroots tennis and education to youth in underserved areas of Washington, D.C. In addition, JTCC programs include low-cost beginner adult tennis programs, and free weekly adaptive tennis clinics for wheelchair athletes, Special Olympians, and military veterans.
