SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 659
         WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to
  recognize the Texas section of the United States Tennis
  Association, also known as USTA Texas, for its commitment to
  expanding the popularity of the game of tennis throughout the
  state; and
 
         WHEREAS, Tennis is a lifetime sport that helps to fight
  obesity in children and contributes to the healthy lifestyle of
  over one million Texans; and
 
         WHEREAS, The rules of tennis have changed, making it much
  more user-friendly through the use of modified courts, softer balls,
  and racquets sized specifically for children and seniors; and
 
         WHEREAS, More than 300 new, smaller, 10 and Under tennis
  courts have been created since 2011, and tennis can now be played
  almost anywhere--in a gym, in a parking lot, or on a driveway, as
  well as in any of the more than 800 tennis facilities across
  Texas; and
 
         WHEREAS, Over 475,000 Texas students have been exposed to
  tennis through physical education in schools, and training has
  been provided for schoolteachers, along with equipment packages;
  after-school tennis programs continue to instill in youth the
  values of teamwork, competition, dedication, and a healthy
  lifestyle; and
 
         WHEREAS, The National Junior Tennis and Learning program,
  which was founded by Arthur Ashe, teaches tennis and provides
  tutoring in academics and life skills to more than 50,000
  low-income, at-risk children throughout the State of Texas each
  year; and
 
         WHEREAS, The United States Tennis Association supports our
  military; it has promoted wheelchair tennis for years, and it now
  provides programs to wounded warriors at several military bases
  and veterans' hospitals; modified tennis equipment has been sent
  to Afghanistan, and tennis organizations in Texas have adopted
  over 3,500 soldiers, sending them treats in care packages as well
  as requested personal items; the Texas section of the United
  States Tennis Association promotes tennis activities on all of
  the military bases in Texas that include both adults and
  children; and
 
         WHEREAS, The Texas section of the United States Tennis
  Association has over 59,000 members and continues to expose
  millions of Texans to the sport, making our communities healthier
  with each tennis racquet, ball, and court; since 2011, the Texas
  section has invested more than $300,000 back into public tennis
  facilities and grassroots programs; this outstanding
  organization deserves recognition for its hard work and
  dedication to expanding the popularity of tennis in Texas and
  making it available to all people; now, therefore, be it
 
         RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas,
  83rd Legislature, hereby commend the Texas section of the United
  States Tennis Association for its outstanding efforts to
  encourage a healthy lifestyle for all Texans and extend to its
  members best wishes for success in their future endeavors; and,
  be it further
 
         RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for
  this worthy organization as an expression of esteem from the
  Texas Senate.
 
  Deuell
   
   
   
    ________________________________ 
        President of the Senate
     
        I hereby certify that the
    above Resolution was adopted by
    the Senate on April 16, 2013.
   
   
   
    ________________________________ 
        Secretary of the Senate
   
   
   
    ________________________________ 
         Member, Texas Senate