We're Returning to Newport for AARP Day and Throughout
International Tennis Hall of Fame Tournament Week

July 15 is AARP Day

This year, we're at the tournament to promote Caregiver Awareness and to introduce people to AARP advocacy efforts and resources that support caregivers and their families.


 

PROVIDENCE – Three years ago, they had us at “Tennis - the sport for a lifetime.”

AARP Rhode Island made a decision that tennis provides an opportunity to encourage people to stay at the very top of their game. That's why were back again to as our successful partnership with the International Tennis Hall of Fame grows.

An official Hall of Fame Championships sponsor, AARP Rhode Island is busy planning to deliver the message that the organization is a resource for people who want to stay fit in a variety of ways, make self-satisfying moves and continue to enjoy active, healthy and productive lives. AARP will be in Newport July 11-17 with a booth and more.

“We are delighted to extend our sponsorship,” said AARP Rhode Island State Director and Middletown resident Kathleen Connell.  “We also are pleased to announce the continuation of an AARP member benefit -- a year-round discount for AARP members who visit the International Tennis Hall of Fame Museum,” Connell added.

“This unique grasscourt event draws people from all across the country, a majority 50 and older,” said Phil Zarlengo, a past-chair of AARP’s national board of directors and honorary chair of AARP Rhode Island's Tournament Week activities.

“They have many things in common beyond tennis, and one of them is certainly caregiving. Many are caregivers or anticipate becoming one; literally everyone knows of someone whose life is enhanced by a caregiver."

On Friday, July 15, AARP Day activities will include a free 50+ tennis clinic led by John Austin,  who in 1980 won the Wimbledon  doubles championship with his sister Tracey. The session will run from 10-11 a.m. and is open to anyone ticketed for Friday's tournament play.

John will be assisted by Jill Craybas. At 39 years of age, she was one of the oldest players on the WTA Tour, as well as the longest serving, having turned pro in 1996. From the 2000 US Open to the 2011 US Open, Craybas -- an East Greenwich native --competed in 45 consecutive Grand Slam main draws, her best result coming in the 2005 Wimbledon Championships where she reached the fourth round and included wins over Marion Bartoli and Serena Williams.   More on Jill.

The clinic is geared for beginners and up. Participation is limited; registration is required. To sign up, call the Tennis Hall of Fame at 401-849-6053 or register online.

Watch the video from our 2014 clinic, featuring Hall of Famer Nick Bollettieri.

 

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From 2015

Why Tennis?

By AARPRI State Director Kathleen Connell

AARP Rhode Island is, for the second consecutive year, sponsoring Tennis Week at the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, July 10-19. A few people have asked, “Why tennis?”

We believe that the Hall of Fame credo, “Tennis, the sport of a lifetime,” says it all. It is a game that can be played at any level of ability. When it comes to tennis, when you set up a match of single or doubles with people of similar abilities, age hardly matters.

Oh, that the world could be so non-discriminatory.

AARP Rhode Island Communications Director John Martin played for years with one of the better-known older players in the state, the late Sherwin Kapstein. Although they were born 35 years apart, they played at near the same level. For John, playing with a doubles partner in his late 80s was an inspiration. Sherwin embodied what the Hall of Fame says, as he played the sport he loved very close to the end of his life.

I understand that many people who read this column may still say, “Fine. I should be so lucky.” And I get that. But it is the spirit of this thing that matters, and that’s what explains AARP in Newport.

Because, as we see in the crowds, if you can’t play tennis get out and enjoy watching people play tennis. We meet people who are not players, but they plan the day to travel to Newport, tour the Hall of Fame Museum, watch some world-class tennis and top off the day with a nice dinner.

Newport too rich for your blood, you might say?

Maybe it’s beyond your budget. How about a walk in the park and a picnic lunch?

It’s all about doing more than just sitting around.

Can’t run a marathon? Take a morning or evening walk in the neighborhood.

Can’t play golf? Play mini-golf.

Can’t lift weights at the gym? Lift soup cans while you’re watching The Today Show.

Can’t do yoga? You can stretch something every morning. You don’t have to perfect standard yoga poses to benefit.

Can’t do aerobics? Ha. Go to any senior center and you can sign up for an aerobics class. For some it is a movement class where you exercise sitting down. Other can find more strenuous activity. Take part at your own level. It’s still aerobic. And once you learn a routine you can exercise anywhere.

The core of AARP’s mission is to provide our members with the means to age with dignity and security. Healthy living is a big part of it. As to security, well, that’s another reason AARP is at Tennis Week.

 

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