Belton to Celebrate Tennis Heritage with Series of Events
Greg Wilson/Anderson Oberver
Belton will celebrate its heritage as a statewide leader in tennis by serving up an event to kickoff the new tennis exhibit at the Belton Area Museum, as well as a series of other tennis-related activities in the weeks ahead.
In partnership with the Belton Tennis Association, “Raise a Racquet: The History of Tennis,” will roll out March 19 from 3-5 p.m. with activities at the museum and surrounding areas.
The United States Tennis Association will be on hand to offer information on tennis programs and members of the Belton Tennis Association will offer lessons on the game for players of any skill level.
“This should be an interesting exhibit with a family-friendly and fun opening celebration,” said BAMA Executive Director Abigail Burden.
The new exhibit includes tennis memorabilia from as far back as the 1800s when tennis was introduced to Americans and clubs popped up all around Anderson County, including: racquets used throughout the last century to vintage uniforms, portraits of famous players, historical articles about tennis matches, photographs of players enjoying the game, awards and trophies gained from that play, and memorabilia of the Palmetto Tournament to artifacts from tennis tournaments around the world.
Belton has been an important tennis town since the first club was formed in 1892 and young people began playing matches against one another and clubs throughout Anderson County. The original court was actually located where the depot now stands, in the Y of the railroad tracks.
In addition to the opening celebration, several other activities are planned.
“One thing that we are excited to host is a Tennis Shoe Drive for Samaritan’s Feet,” said BAMA Educational Coordinator Alison Darby. “This is an opportunity for everyone to bring gently used or new tennis shoes to the Belton Depot or the Belton Tennis Center to donate to people in need around the world .”
Official bags will be set up at both locations for people to drop off their donations. For more information about Samaritan’s Feet, visit www.Samaritansfeet.org.
On April 2, the Belton Tennis Association will be offering a free tennis clinic for all ages from 3 – 4:30 p.m. at the Belton Tennis Center. Anyone who is interested in learning about the game can participate in this clinic.
A Home School Day is scheduled for April 6 at the Belton Depot. The class will involve 7 – 12 year olds learning about the physics of tennis. In addition to class time at the depot, students will move to the Belton Tennis Center and conduct experiments using tennis equipment. Reservations should be made by April 5 by calling 864-338-7400, and cost is $3 per child. The class is limited to 10 children.
And the end of the exhibit culminates with the 66th Annual Palmetto Junior Tennis Championships, held at various courts around Anderson County, with the finals at the Belton Tennis Center. Play begins May 26 and runs through May 29.
The exhibit is sponsored by Anderson County ATAX, City of Belton HTAX, Dunlop, USTA, and Belton Tennis Association and runs through May 27.