If you are an NJTL participant, then write or draw your answer to the following question.
"Some say that winning the 1968 US Open as the first African American male was Arthur Ashe’s greatest accomplishment, what do you think?"
Arthur Ashe was an American hero fighting battles both on and off the court. He broke barriers in the tennis world, becoming a three time grand slam champion, and the first African American male to win a grand slam tournament. Off the court, he was a social activist taking on issues like racial prejudice, AIDS, apartheid, and education. One of his many legacies includes the National Junior Tennis and Learning (“NJTL”), a network of youth serving organizations that provides tennis and education for all. His wish was for NJTL to be a resource for kids to develop skills for leadership and academic excellence. As a participant at one of the 550 NJTL chapters across the country, tell us what you think of Arthur Ashe.
Write and You Could Win a Trip to New York City (open to all contestants age 18 and under participating in an NJTL chapter): Contestants will compete in one of the five age categories listed below. Write your answer to the question, “Some say that winning the 1968 US Open as the first African American male was Arthur Ashe’s greatest accomplishment, what do you think?” in 300 words or less on one written 8.5” x11” page or less and you could be one of ten (10) national winners who win a trip for you and a parent/legal guardian to New York City. Be a VIP at Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day presented by Hess, attend a professional sporting event, see a Broadway show and receive a special award at a luncheon held in your honor. Essays must be in English and will not be returned.
OR,
Draw and You Could Win an Award (open to all contestants age 12 and under participating in an NJTL program): Contestants will compete in one of two age categories listed below. Draw a picture or create artwork of your answer to the question, “Some say that winning the 1968 US Open as the first African American male was Arthur Ashe’s greatest accomplishment, what do you think?” and you could be one of eight (8) national winners to win a plaque in your honor. Be creative, but artwork must be flat and no larger than 11” x 14”. Artwork must be in English and will not be returned.
Eligibility: Open to legal residents of the 50 United States and/or D.C., 18 or younger, as of July 10, 2010, who are participants in a program sponsored by a local NJTL Program/Chapter as of January 25, 2010. Visit www.usta.com/njtl for more information.
Prizes: Ten (10) national essay winners will be awarded a trip for two to New York (Aug. 27-29) and will be guests at the 2010 Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day presented by Hess on Aug. 28 (ARV: $1,600.00 each). Eight (8) national art winners will each receive a plaque from USTA/NJTL (ARV: $25.00 each).
Deadline: Entries, including completed entry form, must be submitted online to the USTA at www.usta.com/aaec (essay entries only) or mailed or hand delivered to your local NJTL Program/Chapter between February 1, 2010 and 5:00 PM ET on June 25, 2010 (mail-in entries must be postmarked by June 25, 2010 and received by your local NJTL Program/Chapter no later than July 2, 2010). For a list of all NJTL Programs/Chapters and their addresses visit www.usta.com/njtl.
Many will enter, few will win. Click here for Official Contest Rules.
Submit Essay/Art via mail:
Download the 2010 Arthur Ashe Essay & Art Contest Paper Form
Download the 2010 Arthur Ashe Essay & Art Contest Paper Form - In Spanish
*NEW* Submit Essay Online:
Click here for the 2010 Arthur Ashe Essay Contest Online Application Form (art submissions must be submitted using the Paper Form)
NJTL Chapter Leaders:
Download the 2010 Guide to Conducting Your Arthur Ashe Essay and Art Contest
Download the NJTL Chapter Policies and Procedure for Administering the 2010 Arthur Ashe Essay and Art Contest
*NEW* Download the NJTL of Trenton Literacy Module for Implementing the Arthur Ashe Essay Contest