My “great” aunt & uncle immigrated to San Francisco, California from San Salvador in Central America around the Depression in 1939. I was brought up by them with my older sister (by 2 years) Victoria. We were born in San Francisco in 1946 & 1948. My heritage is Latino – and Spanish was the first language in my household. I have the love of Latin music, dancing and all of the Latin spirit.
This is Hispanic Heritage Month and The Love & Love Tennis Foundation celebrated it with the Rosie Casals & Pancho Gonzalez “Tennis Fiesta” Saturday, October 5 at the Desert Mirage High School tennis courts. We bussed in 60 kids from the CVUSD. This area is primarily agricultural (Thermal, Coachella, Oasis & Mecca) where the fields produce dates, strawberries, grapes and a slew of other produce. The parents of many of these kids work the fields. Tennis is like a foreign language to them, as it was to me when I started. They are not exposed to tennis and probably don’t watch the Tennis Channel on their TV. None-the-less the kids were excited to get a racket and learn how to hit the ball. Part of the tennis clinic included learning about a Latin Tennis Legend. Each team had a Legend and the kids had to get to know their Legend. We had 3 women (Rosie Casals, Monica Pui & Gabby Sabatini) and 3 men (Pancho Gonzalez, Rafael Osuna & Charlie Pasarell). Not only were they learning tennis but a little of their cultural/sport history!
Although it was hot that morning the kids aĺl seemed to be enjoying the tennis experience with their instructors. During the last 15 minutes of the 90-minute clinic the kids had a chance to win prizes by hitting targets on the court. The prizes were Dodger jerseys, donated by SCTA. Everyone got a prize!
The kids were then treated to lunch with delicious tacos, cooked by the cooking class of the school. Following lunch the entertainment began with the Folklorica Dancers. These dances stem back to the Mexican Folkloric Dances, also known as baile folklorico or ballet folklorico, which is a cultural tradition that celebrates Mexican history and regions through dance, music and constume.
After the Dancers came the Mariachi Band. Mariachis are a Mexican musical tradition central to Mexican culture and identity. Mariachi bands are known for their traditonal attire, string and horn instruments, and wide range of music that can convey emotions. It also covers a wide range of themes includint love, politics, country life, machismo and death. Some common types of mariachi music includes sones, rancheras, polkas and boleros. It is the staple of Mexican culture.
The last event on the schedule was Pinata Bashing. These are cardboard characters filled with candy and other goodies. The kids are blindfolded and given a stick to bash the pinata. The idea of breaking containers filled with treats came to Europe in the 14th Century. The Spanish brought the tradition to Mexico although there were similar traditions in MesoAmerica with the Aztecs honoring birthdays and their god Hitzilopochtli.
We did have a wonderful celebration of Latin Culture, tennis, tennis Legends’ history, and traditional food.
I want to thank Bea Gonzalez with CVUSD for helping to organize this event with me. Many thanks to her staff and the wonderful staff of the two schools. Thanks to my super volunteers and instructors who made the kids’ experience with tennis fun! Also, so many thanks to my staff, special friends and donors including Gary & Barbara Tolman, Connie Lurie, Billie Jean King & Ilana Kloss, SCTA, and Wilson Sporting Goods. These events are dependent on donations.
It was a good day that introduced these kids to a new sport – Tennis!
FRITZ BURNS PARK FREE TENNIS CLINICS, LA QUINTA:
Join Love & Love Tennis Foundation on Saturdays: October 19, 26, November 2, 9, 16 & 23 – from 9 – 10:15am.
We will have rackets & balls
Drinks & snacks for kids!
Email to register:
Sportswomn@aol.com
Or come out & register same morning. WEAR TENNIS SHOES OR SPORTS SHOES!
ANNALEE THURSTON AWARDS RECEPTION DINNER SATURDAY, MARCH 8, 2025 PALM VALEY COUNTRY CLUB:
We are excited to announce that 2-time US Open Champion and former World #1, TRACY AUSTIN will be the recipient of THE ANNALEE THURSTON AWARD. It will be presented to Tracy on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at Palm Valley C.C. in Palm Desert. Invitations to the event will be coming out in November so “Save the Date”!
RHENN RAMIREZ TENNIS CLINICS INDIAN RIDGE COUNTRY CLUB:
Rhenn has just released his tennis clinics & USTA Tournament schedule. Please visit our website for further information. Email: ramtennisnpickle@gmail.com or call
(760) 895-8786
I want to wish everybody a HAPPY SPOOKY HALLOWEEN!👀🥳
Rosie & Tory, Founders
The Love & Love Tennis Foundation
