WECT TV6-WECT.com:News, weather & sports Wilmington, NC Tennis teams are forming now

Tennis teams are forming now

WILMINGTON, NC (WECT) - When you can can play tennis all year round, it's no surprise that Wilmington has one of the most popular tennis programs around North Carolina.

Young or old can learn the sport and have ample opportunities to play with and against others of their level.

Monday on Carolina in the Morning, folks with the Greater Wilmington Tennis Association taught viewers about the sport at the Althea Gibson Tennis Complex at Empie Park.

Tennis manager Tari Ann Toro, also the highest ranked tennis player in town, teaches several clinics, classes and camps to interested players.

Along with coaching basic and advanced lessons, Toro wants people to know of the cardiovascular benefits of tennis.

"Your footwork is really important as is your shape in tennis," said Toro. "The more you move around the fitter you'll be, and the better your game."

Getting started is easy to do, according to the USTA League organizer, Anna Martin.

"It doesn't matter what your ability is, league tennis is for folks of all levels," said Martin.

All levels or all ages-just ask 83-year-old Dorothy Maloney.

"Tennis is a wonderful sport to have when you are older because it does keep you fit and it does give you social contact with people and it has gotten me many places," explained Maloney.

Plus, as Maloney has found, tennis is a way to spend time with family and friends.

"I have a son I play with, I have a grandson, my daughter and I are on a team here in Wilmington, and I now have a grandson who just made the high school team," said Maloney.

There is still time to find and register for a team. Need help? Contact the league coordinator at play10us@ec.rr.com or go here for more information.

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