Tennis

Stan Smith, the legendary Wimbledon and US Open champion, will be honored with the Shining Star Award for his unwavering support of the Harlem Junior Tennis & Education Program (HJTEP). This non-profit organization empowers underprivileged youth through tennis, education, and positive behavior.HJTEP's commitment to academic excellence is evident in its participants' impressive 3.1 GPA. The program has transformed the lives of countless boys and girls, providing them with opportunities for tennis and academic success."Stan's dedication has been instrumental in HJTEP's success," said Katrina Adams, Executive Director. "We are grateful for his support and the impact he has made on our youth."Smith's passion for youth development extends beyond HJTEP. He has also been actively involved with the Boys & Girls Club in Los Angeles. "These programs provide kids with direction and opportunities," he said. "Tennis teaches them discipline, time management, and social skills that are invaluable."Smith believes that tennis is a vital tool for promoting health and well-being. "It's the healthiest sport in the world, both physically and emotionally," he said. "It's a sport that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities."Smith's new film, "Stan Smith: Breaking Barriers," features interviews with tennis icons like John McEnroe and Run DMC. The film highlights Smith's impact on the sport and his unwavering commitment to giving back."I'm an advocate for tennis," Smith said. "It's a sport that has given me so much, and I want to share its benefits with others."

Stan Smith: From Tennis Star to Cultural IconStan Smith, the legendary tennis player and namesake of the iconic Adidas sneakers, is the subject of a new documentary that delves into his remarkable journey.Smith's tennis career soared in the 1970s, where he won two Grand Slam singles titles and reached the world No. 1 ranking. However, his impact extended far beyond the court.The documentary reveals Smith's unwavering commitment to social justice. He became a vocal advocate for civil rights and AIDS awareness, using his platform to raise consciousness and inspire change.In the 1980s, Smith's name became synonymous with the Adidas sneakers that bore his name. The shoes quickly gained popularity in the world of hip hop and celebrity fashion, cementing Smith's status as a pop culture icon.The documentary features interviews with Smith, his family, and a host of renowned athletes and celebrities, including John McEnroe, Darryl McDaniels (DMC of Run-DMC), and Donald Dell. LeBron James and Maverick Carter serve as executive producers, while Emmy-winning filmmaker Danny Lee directs the film."We all know the shoe. We all know the name," said Lee. "But let's unpack the mythology behind the shoe."A portion of the documentary's proceeds will benefit the USTA Foundation's National Junior Tennis & Learning (NJTL) network, which provides tennis and academic programs to underprivileged youth."The sport of tennis has given so much to me in my life, and I'm excited that this film will help future generations both on and off the court," said Smith.The NJTL network, co-founded by tennis legends Arthur Ashe and Charlie Pasarell, has over 250 chapters nationwide, reaching more than 150,000 youth."Stan is a person who has transcended the boundaries of the tennis court to become a global icon," said Ginny Ehrlich, CEO of the USTA Foundation. "He is a shining example of the excellence, resilience, and determination that we aim to instill in the thousands of young people who participate in NJTL programs nationwide."