The District has launched a new after-school initiative that offers free tennis to middle school students.

Jessica Forres reports…



George Harris, a 7th grader, is playing tennis at the Southeast Tennis and Learning Center. He is holding a racquet and a ball made of foam.

IT'S MORE THAN JUST TENNIS, IT'S COME TOGETHER AS A LOT OF PEOPLE. IT'S HAVING FUN AS A UNIT.

He and eighty students from seven District middle schools take part in after-school programs run by Project My Time, part of the DC Children and youth Investment Trust Corporation.

Meeta Sharma-Holt… the project director…says it's the first time the students have come together to learn...and play in teams.

ONE OF OUR LONG TERM GOALS IS TO TRY TO BRING TENNIS INTO THE DCPS ATHLETIC CURRICULUM SO THAT DURING THE SCHOOL DAY THEY ARE PRACTICING AND THEN IN THE AFTER SCHOOL PLAY AS PART OF A LEAGUE.

She says the Trust will hold three tournaments a year.

Jessica Forres WAMU 885 News