WASHINGTON, Aug. 28, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- ThanksUSA today launched the nation's first online trivia contest connecting tennis and military to raise awareness of the organization's mission of providing scholarships for the children and spouses of our Armed Forces. Sports fans and history buffs will be able to test their knowledge of both tennis and military history by downloading the free Tennis Thanks the Troops Trivia app for mobile devices.
The app is available for free download at http://www.thanksusa.org/main/public/hunt/tennistrivia.html
Participants will be able to play for prizes during the 2012 US Open, from August 27th to September 9th at Flushing Meadow, New York. Winners will receive prizes donated by US tennis stars.
"This contest is the first of its kind," said Bob Okun, CEO and chairman of ThanksUSA. "Participants will discover inspiring connections between tennis and our troops, many of whom applied their talents and strengths from their military careers to competing and winning on the courts."
The unique, fully interactive game is sponsored by the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) Foundation. Contestants without a mobile device can participate in the challenge through the ThanksUSA website (www.thanksusa.org).
"This is a fun way for tennis fans to join ThanksUSA in supporting our troops and their families," said Lisa Raymond, the charity's national spokesperson, who is also the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) No. 1 Doubles player, US Open Doubles champion and 2012 Olympic medalist. Ms. Raymond will be competing at this year's US Open. "My Dad served in the Navy and taught me the values of teamwork, discipline and commitment. That's why I've teamed up with ThanksUSA and will be wearing a ThanksUSA patch during the US Open."
Ms. Raymond will be joined by twin brothers Mike and Bob Bryan, the Men's Doubles champions, 2012 Olympic gold medalists and US Open competitors. Raymond and the Bryans will provide the winners with prizes, including Prince tennis racquets signed by Raymond and T-shirts signed personally by the three tennis celebrities. "Our fans know how competitive we are on the court," said Bob Bryan. "We hope the fans will be just as competitive and engaged in the Tennis Thanks the Troops challenge that will bring attention to ThanksUSA and benefit our military families."
Trivia contest winners will be notified by email on September 30th and will be announced on the ThanksUSA website.
The trivia contest is just one part of ThanksUSA's Tennis Thanks the Troops campaign, a cornerstone in the charity's efforts to thank America's troops through the gift of education. US tennis clubs, professionals, players and fans help provide need-based post-secondary school scholarships to military families through fundraising activities, including special tournaments, raffles and other events. The nationwide campaign was launched this spring, with the United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA) leading the effort with ThanksUSA and additional support from the United States Tennis Association Mid-Atlantic (MAS).
For more information on ThanksUSA, visit www.thanksusa.org
About ThanksUSA
Founded in the fall of 2005, ThanksUSA, a non-partisan 501(c) (3) organization, is an effort to thank the men and women of our armed forces and their families for their service to the country with the gift of education. The organization provides needs-based, post-secondary education opportunities to the children and spouses of active-duty status military personnel through competitive scholarships. For more information, visit www.ThanksUSA.org.
About ESA Foundation
The ESA Foundation was created by the American interactive entertainment software industry to support and provide opportunities that can make a difference in the lives of America's youth. The Foundation is fully supported by proceeds from its limited edition charity game pack's sales and its annual fundraiser, "A Nite to Unite – for Kids," which together have raised more than $11 million in the last 10 years. For more information about the ESA Foundation, please visit www.theESA.com/foundation.
About Lisa Raymond (@lisaraymond73)
A native of Wayne, Pa., Raymond is currently ranked No. 1 in doubles on the WTA Tour alongside her doubles partner and fellow American, Liezel Huber. Throughout her professional career of 19 years, Raymond has won 78 women's doubles events and six major championships. Raymond is the oldest woman ever to win a Grand Slam women's doubles title, winning the 2011 US Open with Huber at age 38 (previous oldest was a 36-year-old Billie Jean King).
About United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA)
Founded in 1927, USPTA strives to raise the standards of the tennis profession while promoting greater awareness of the sport. USPTA offers 70 professional benefits to its more than 15,000 members worldwide, including certification and professional development. With more than 300 days of educational opportunities throughout the year, USPTA offers the most comprehensive continuing education program in the tennis industry. For more information, call 800-877-8248 or visit www.uspta.com.
About United States Tennis Association Mid-Atlantic (MAS)
The USTA/Mid-Atlantic Section, one of 17 sections of the United States Tennis Association, is a not-for-profit organization committed to promoting tennis by offering quality recreational and competitive programs for people of all ages and abilities. Mid-Atlantic has been part of the official governing body for tennis in America since 1923 and serves more than 40,000 members in the District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, and eastern and southern West Virginia. Tennis players of all ages and skill levels are involved in leagues, tournaments and programs sanctioned by the section.
Contact:
Michele Stork
ThanksUSA
(703) 855-4108
[email protected]
SOURCE ThanksUSA
Share this article