The GEICO Champions Celebration will take place on Wednesday, May 15. It is the major annual fundraiser of the Junior Tennis Champions Center that benefits its community outreach initiative Game On! Co-hosted by Swedish Ambassador Jonas Hafström and former world No. 1 Mats Wilander, the reception and dinner will be held at the Ambassador’s residence in Washington, DC.
All proceeds from the Champions Celebration will directly benefit Game On!, an after school tennis and education program that operates year-round in Washington, DC. At each Game On! site, JTCC senior coaches and players provide tennis instruction and serve as mentors for at-risk youth. As a complementary piece to on-court instruction, Game On! participants also receive academic enrichment via the nationally accredited ACE (Academic Creative Engagement) curriculum. ACE is designed to encourage academic achievement, health and social skills. The curriculum envelopes the ideals set forth by Arthur Ashe by giving children access to educational opportunities in a safe environment.
This year, the event will honor Hall of Famer Chris Evert and former United States Senator John Breaux.
Chris Evert is one of the greatest female athletes of all-time. She set a record for men and women tennis professionals by winning at least one Grand Slam tournament title for 13 consecutive years (1974 – 1986). Since her retirement in 1989, the mother of three sons has raised more than $20 million through Chris Evert Charities and is a lead ESPN tennis broadcaster. Her leadership of the Evert Tennis Academy has earned her the distinction as the first female owner of a successful high performance youth training center.
Senator John Breaux began his distinguished career in the US Congress in 1972 when he was elected to the House of Representatives. He represented the 7th District of Louisiana for 14 years before his election to the Senate in 1986. Senator Breaux was recognized as a bipartisan leader and was instrumental in healthcare, welfare and energy reform. He currently serves as Senior Counsel in the Washington, DC office of Patton Boggs.
To purchase tickets to the Champions Celebration or to inquire about sponsorship opportunities, please e-mail David McIsaac.
