Hundreds of families visited the USTA Hawaii tennis booth at the Young At Heart/Family & Sports Expo held in September, the 33rd Anniversary of Children's Youth Day held in October and the Annual Girls Scout Fest held in November.
USTA Hawaii was present at three major community outreach events for the purpose of promoting tennis as the world's healthiest sport. The goal is to share the active lifestyle, mental well-being and social bonds of tennis. Hundreds of families visited the USTA Hawaii tennis booth at the Young At Heart/Family & Sports Expo (September), the 33rd Anniversary of Children's Youth Day (October) and the Annual Girl Scouts of Hawaii Fest (November).
The USTA Hawaii was one of 80 plus organizations at the Young At Heart/Family & Sports Day held at the Neal Blaisdell Exhibition Hall for two days, September 27 & 28. The expo featured sports and family activities, health and wellness resources, educational seminars, local health/technology experts and live entertainment.
The Children & Youth Day happens on the first Sunday of October, each year. This year marked their 33rd anniversary. Hawaii's organizations focusing on youth, showcase their services on the grounds of the State Capitol. USTA has participated since 1999 and brings fun interactive activities to the 30,000+ attendees. A large flat concrete surface is all that is needed to make the sport accessible, inclusive and affordable. Kids had a chance to play with modified equipment that makes tennis easier, safer and fun. Modified equipment included shorter nets, kid sized rackets, slower bouncing balls, bean bags and beach balls. After an exciting rally with one of the volunteer coaches, the kids spun the USTA Prize Wheel for a free gift. 25 kids racquets were awarded to some of the most lucky winners!
Celebrating their 110 Year Anniversary, the Girl Scouts of Hawaii Girls Fest 2026 was held at Iolani Palace on November 8. The USTA Hawaii was present with an interactive booth along with other community partners that inspired education, cultural and healthy activities. This year was especially meaningful to partner with the Iolani Palace for Kamai'aina Sunday because Queen Lili-uokalani sponsored the first Girl Scout troops in Hawaii. We were honored to help celebrate the generations of girls who have inspired to lead and serve Hawaii.
**A special Mahalo to the McKinley High School tennis team and members of the Kilauea Jr Team Tennis Club for volunteering at these events. Our young volunteers were patient, kind and encouraging as they introduced tennis to first timers of all ages. Many of them are poised to become great coaches in the near future.