JOURNAL SPORTS
If you haven’t signed up to play in the 8th annual Katy Build Tennis Tournament, you still have time – but you’d better hurry.
The deadline for team/player registration in one of the area’s most popular events is Friday.
The tournament – which raises money for the Katy Build Project to help provide additional housing in Bossier City for first-time veteran homeowners — kicks off with a junior event on June 15 from 3-5 p.m. for Bossier Tennis Center Junior Development participants. This event is sponsored by Shreveport Counseling and Restoration Center and is free for the young Katy Build players.
The Katy Build Project was created in honor and memory of Katy Watkins, Molly Reed, and Emily Purdue – who lost their lives in a car accident in 2006.
The adult tournament begins on June 16 at Bossier Tennis Center with an opening ceremony at 5:45 p,m., when Title and Presenting Sponsors along with local dignitaries and supporters are recognized. Tourney play runs through Sunday afternoon with divisions from Tennis Apprentice (for new tennis players) to Open Level players. Mixed and women’s level teams will play and compete all weekend.
Other activities include an online silent auction filled with donations, gift and vacation packages. On site there will be a wine pull, Hit For Prizes and much more. Pop Up events include Bracelets4George, Simply Chic Boutique and Double Take Tennis Bags. Social bands are available for purchase for those wanting to come out and enjoy the fun, food and fellowship.
A very special “Courtside Canvas” live painting by local artist Vanicka Terhune will take place on Friday evening. This canvas will then be available in the silent auction.
A field of approximately 300-325 players is expected. Last year’s event included 312 players and 56 teams.
“I participate and have captained teams each year in the Katy Build Tennis Tournament because it’s for a great cause and is one of the best tournaments of the year,” said Jeremy Jones, a Katy Build supporter as a sponsor, player, captain, and volunteer.
“As a tournament player, many times food is limited and only served during certain windows of time. This is not the case with Katy Build – food is plentiful and delivered in waves to accommodate players’ schedules. Additionally, the staff feels like a family and treats the players like welcome guests at a luxury resort.”
For more information, contact tournament director Angela Pfanner at 318-469-3647.
