Goldfarb Properties Becomes First Local Sponsor to Support NYJTL Bronx Open

For Immediate Release

Bronx, NY – When it was announced on June 17 that New York Junior Tennis & Learning (NYJTL) will be hosting a $250,000 WTA International Series tournament at the Cary Leeds Center for Tennis & Learning in Crotona Park during the week preceding the US Open, Goldfarb Properties immediately reached out to support NYJTL’s undertaking.

“We recognize the importance of bringing world-class events to the Bronx,” said Joshua Goldfarb, Partner at Goldfarb Properties. “Our company is proud to join the NYJTL Bronx Open as an official sponsor.”

Major financial backing has been secured by NYJTL from the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) and United States Tennis Association to bring world-class tennis to the Bronx. Additional supporters include the USTA Eastern Section, donors Deborah Larkin and Lawrence Leeds, and Taste of Tennis, which has designated NYJTL as a beneficiary of its summer event.

“We are thrilled to welcome Goldfarb Properties to the NYJTL team,” said Tournament Director Joe Ceriello. “We hope that Goldfarb is the first of many local Bronx businesses to associate with the NYJTL Bronx Open which will be broadcast daily nationwide on Tennis Channel.”

Goldfarb Properties entered the Bronx real estate market 40 years ago in 1979 and has expanded to more than 15 Bronx properties in its portfolio of more 6,000 residential units and commercial properties throughout the tri-state metropolitan area.

“NYJTL serves the New York City metropolitan area where we have our presence,” said Goldfarb. “We consider it an important civic duty to be committed within the communities we serve.”

Among its philanthropic efforts, Goldfarb supports the New York Restoration Project, which is focused on preserving and improving New York City parks, the New Rochelle Police Foundation, the Police Benevolent Association, the Hospital for Special Surgery, among other projects.

Women’s Professional Tennis to Return to Bronx

NYJTL to Host Pre-US Open Tournament at Cary Leeds Center

 

For immediate release

 

NEW YORK (June 17, 2019) – New York Junior Tennis & Learning will host the NYJTL Bronx Open, a WTA International level women’s professional tournament offering $250,000 in prize money at the Cary Leeds Center for Tennis & Learning in the Bronx from August 16-24, 2019.

“We are thrilled to welcome women’s professional tennis back to the Bronx after a seven-year break during the construction of the Cary Leeds Center, “said NYJTL CEO George Guimaraes. “The WTA and the USTA have both stepped up to make this a world-class tournament to serve as the players’ final preparation for the US Open which starts two days after our final.”

The NYJTL Bronx Open will be the only WTA tournament during the week prior to the US Open and will feature a 48-singles qualifying and 30-player main draw plus a 16-team doubles draw.

WTA CEO and Chairman Steve Simon stated, “We look forward to bringing the WTA Tour to the Bronx this season, providing our world class athletes the opportunity to compete at the new state of the art Cary Leeds Center.”

“The Bronx looks forward to the return of women’s professional tennis to our community,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. “This tournament will inspire the next generation of future sports stars to pick up a racket and get out to play in the new Cary Leeds Center in Crotona Park. We are grateful to NYJTL for everything you do as a partner in the community, and we thank the WTA for bringing the world’s best players to the Bronx.”

“NYJTL previously promoted one WTA Challenger and more than 15 USTA Pro Circuit professional tennis tournaments in Crotona Park from 1993-2012,” explained NYJTL Tournament Director Joe Ceriello.

“While temporary facilities were constructed each year in the past, this year the $26.5-million Cary Leeds Center will provide a world-class facility with two stadium courts and access to a total of 20 additional courts,” he continued. “The Cary Leeds Center also includes a two-story, 12,000-square-foot clubhouse with classrooms, and the Victor Kiam Stadium and the Pershing Square Stadium create an up-close and intimate tennis viewing experience.”

“Introducing new people to the sport of tennis and opening up our doors to the community is our life’s work,” said Liezel Huber, seven-time Grand Slam Champion and Executive Director of Tennis at the Cary Leeds Center.

NYJTL is the largest tennis and education non-profit in the nation committed to creating the ultimate aspirational experience for thousands of New York City children served through its programs.

The tournament has received generous support from Platinum sponsors RBC (Royal Bank of Canada), the United States Tennis Association, Gold sponsors USTA Eastern, Taste of Tennis, and Deborah Larkin and Larry Leeds, who co-founded the Heroes Circle for individual contributors. Media and broadcast sponsors include the Tennis Channel and Vector Media.

Learn more at https://www.nyjtl.org/nyjtl-bronx-open/

About New York Junior Tennis & Learning

The mission of New York Junior Tennis & Learning is to develop the character of young people through tennis and education for a lifetime of success on and off the court.  Since 1971, NYJTL has changed lives through tennis, education, healthy living, and character development programs. Today, it is the largest youth tennis and education non-profit in the nation, reaching 85,000 K-12 New York City youth.

In June 2015, the $26.5 million Cary Leeds Center for Tennis & Learning opened its doors as the flagship home of NYJTL in the heart of the Bronx.  In April 2017, the Cary Leeds Center completed its final phase of construction with the opening of the Pershing Square Stadium, the Victor Kiam Stadium, and the Dalia and Larry Leeds Viewing Bridge.  The Cary Leeds Center provides more than 6,000 hours of free tennis court time annually to the community’s under resourced youth.

Contact: Joe Ceriello
jceriello@nyjtl.org
(917) 693-6672

Art In Motion: #WATCHMEWORK

There’s no stopping ACES Afterschool Participants when it comes to creativity, and the kids held nothing back for the Fourth Annual Visual Arts Showcase, Art In Motion: #WATCHMEWORK.

The showcase was held on June 11, 2019 at the CUNY York College Milton C. Bassin Performing Arts Center, a location that holds great significance as it represents a bright future for the students in higher education. The event offers an opportunity for teachers, friends, family, and the students themselves to celebrate their achievements during the school year, embark on a creative journey and explore what it means to be an NYJTL artist.

For the first time, the showcase also honored staff achievements during the NYJTL “SUPER ACE” award ceremony. NYJTL staff members who demonstrate strong leadership skills and moral character were recognized as role models for both their peers and the students.

Though NYJTL is a tennis and education-based organization, leaders strive to instill in their students the passion for creativity and learning that goes beyond the court and the classroom.

NYJTL ACES Afterschool Students Participate in Spring Capstone Events

The Youth Leadership Summit and STEAM Expo, two of NYJTL’s Capstone Events, brought ACES Afterschool Program participants together to develop social-emotional skills, share projects they’ve been working on, and engage in STEM and art activities.

Youth Leadership Summit

April 23, 2019 at M.S. 383

The theme for this year’s Youth Leadership Summit was Level Up, a nod to the transition from middle to high school which can be a highly stressful experience. Nearly 300 students engaged in activities from building rollercoasters in STEM workshops to developing stress-relieving techniques in social-emotional art exercises.

Activity Specialists shared stories of stressful times, such as auditioning for performing arts high schools and the pressure of achieving a high score on entrance exams for specialized high schools. Students learned self-management techniques to effectively manage stress and stay motivated in the face of academic challenges.

Each child received stress balls, journals for self-reflection, and more in order to continue to build upon what they learned.

The day concluded with a showcase of performances from short plays to dance to choir.

STEAM Expo

April 24, 2019 at I.S. 61

The 3rd Annual STEAM Expo was a day full of scientific experiements and art projects, such as harnessing electricity from lemons, preventing the spread of germs, and creating art with 3D pens.

New this year was the introduction of Robofun, a dynamic workshop where children learn to build, program, and function robots. These workshops ignite curiosity and creativity while teaching problem solving and scientific thinking.

The event ended with a celebration of individual achievements at the science fair. Over 20 entries were judged based on creativity, ingenuity, and critical thinking to result in three winners.

First Place
Josiah Sloane

Second Place
Brooke Camacho

Third Place
Madison Kelly

 

New York Empire Sets Roster at 2019 World TeamTennis

Cary Leeds Center for Tennis & Learning to Host Home Matches for World TeamTennis Franchise


NEW YORK (March 12, 2019)
– The New York Empire presented by Citi and head coach Luke Jensen today announced its player roster and new venue for the upcoming 2019 World TeamTennis (WTT) season. The fourth-year WTT franchise will play its home matches at Cary Leeds Center for Tennis & Learning, a world-class facility in the Bronx, and the flagship home to New York Junior Tennis & Learning (NYJTL).

At the WTT draft in Indian Wells, Calif., the Empire protected 6-foot-10 ace specialist, John Isner. The 2018 Wimbledon semifinalist will play his eighth season of WTT and third with the Empire. He’s currently the No. 9 ranked player in the world and is second all-time in aces served on any surface.

Holding the first pick of this season’s WTT draft, the Empire chose Kirsten Flipkens, from Belgium, who will make her return to the Empire roster after sitting out the 2018 WTT season. Flipkens, a former World No. 13 and Wimbledon semifinalist, is no stranger to team tennis as she’s played a remarkable 16 years of Fed Cup action for her native country. This will be her second season playing in WTT.

With the Empire’s second-round pick, the team selected 20-year-old American Ulises Blanch. A former world No. 2 ranked junior, Blanch won his first career ATP Challenger Tour title in Perugia, Italy in 2018, not dropping a single set en route to victory. The 6’3” Blanch, who was a semifinalist in Boys’ Singles at Wimbledon in 2016, will bring a fresh, youthful look to the Empire’s men’s singles position.

Neal Skupski, the current No. 34 ranked doubles player, is returning to the Empire for his fourth consecutive season and will again serve as the team’s doubles specialist. In 2018, Skupski played 110 games of men’s doubles and 114 games of mixed doubles, serving up 26 aces along the way.

WTA Tour veteran, Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez, achieved a career-high doubles ranking of No. 4 in the world in 2010 and has won 18 tour doubles titles and five in singles. After being named WTT’s Female Rookie of the Year in 2018, Martinez Sanchez returns as a member of the team’s successful mixed doubles pairing with Skupski.

“We wanted to pick a team of players who could play in this format, which is fast, furious and pressure-packed,” said Jensen. “We wanted to protect our veteran players and we did that with Flip. When you get the highest ranked WTA player available, you’ve got an anchor. To fill the rest of the roster with successful, veteran tour players and then to go young with Ulises is just really exciting. He’s got a lot of firepower and he will learn from our other veteran players.”

With both new and familiar faces on the roster, the Empire is moving to a new home this summer. In June 2015, the $26.5 million Cary Leeds Center for Tennis & Learning opened its doors in the heart of the Bronx. The Cary Leeds Center provides more than 6,000 hours of free tennis court time annually to the community’s under resourced youth. Last year more than 15,000 players walked through its doors for play and programming.

“We are delighted to work with New York Empire of WTT to provide aspirational experiences for our juniors, bring in a dynamic event for the community to enjoy and utilize the world-class Victor Kiam Stadium at the Cary Leeds Center,” said George Guimaraes, NYJTL CEO & President.

The New York Empire will kick off the 2019 schedule with five home matches during the season’s first eight days, hosting the San Diego Aviators on opening day, Sunday, July 14. The Empire face expansion franchise, the Vegas Rollers, on July 16 ahead of the Orange County (Calif.) Breakers on July 18 and Washington (D.C.) Kastles on July 19. The first homestand comes to a close on July 21 against the second of two new WTT teams, the Orlando Storm.

The Empire’s home slate closes out with matches on Monday, July 29 against the Springfield (Mo.) Lasers and Tuesday, July 30 when the Philadelphia Freedoms visit.

New York Empire Schedule (home matches in bold)

Date

Sunday, July 14
Tuesday, July 16
Wednesday, July 17
Thursday, July 18
Friday, July 19
Saturday, July 20
Sunday, July 21
Tuesday, July 23
Wednesday, July 24
Thursday, July 25
Saturday, July 27
Monday, July 29
Tuesday, July 30
Wednesday, July 31

Opponent

San Diego Aviators
Vegas Rollers
at Springfield (Mo.) Lasers
Orange County (Calif.) Breakers
Washington (D.C.) Kastles
at Washington (D.C.) Kastles
Orlando Storm
at Vegas Rollers
at Orange County (Calif.) Breakers
at San Diego Aviators
at Orlando Storm
Springfield (Mo.) Lasers
Philadelphia Freedoms
at Philadelphia Freedoms

New York Empire Roster (Franchise Players in bold)

Name
Ulises Blanch
John Isner
Kirsten Flipkens
Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez
Neal Skupski

WTT Season

1st
9th
2nd
2nd
5th

Nationality

USA
USA
BEL
ESP
GBR

It promises to be an animated affair when the Empire face the Washington Kastles during a home-and-home match series on Friday, July 20 and Saturday, July 21 as New York Head Coach Luke Jensen will face his brother, Murphy, the longtime coach of the Kastles. During their playing days, the Jensens displayed their popular brand of “Rock and Roll Tennis” on their way to a world No. 6 ranking and multiple ATP doubles titles.

New York Empire tickets will start as low as $10 for children age 16-and-under, and $25 for adults. The New York Empire offers both reserved box seats and general admission seating, along with hospitality packages, which include food and beverage service. A limited number of VIP tables are also available.

Season tickets and hospitality packages are available now by emailing info@nyempiretennis.com or calling the New York Empire office at (844) 5-EMPIRE (844-536-7473). Individual match tickets will go on-sale this spring.

 

For more information on the New York Empire, visit www.NYEmpireTennis.com. For more information on World TeamTennis, visit www.WTT.com.

Follow the New York Empire on Instagram: instagram.com/NYEmpireTennis; Twitter: twitter.com/NYEmpireTennis; and like on Facebook: www.facebook.com/NYEmpireTennis

For more information on World TeamTennis, visit www.WTT.com.

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About New York Empire:

The New York Empire presented by Citi competes in the World TeamTennis League. WTT is in its 44th season as the innovative leader in professional team tennis competition. Team matches consist of five sets, with one set each of men’s and women’s singles, men’s and women’s doubles, and mixed doubles. One point is awarded for each game won and overall match scoring is cumulative. The Presenting Sponsor of the New York Empire is Citi. Official Sponsors include Bloomberg, Empire BlueCross BlueShield HealthPlus, Deborah Slaner Larkin, NYU Langone Health and USTA Eastern.

 

About Citi:

Citi, the leading global bank, has approximately 200 million customer accounts and does business in more than 160 countries and jurisdictions. Citi provides consumers, corporations, governments and institutions with a broad range of financial products and services, including consumer banking and credit, corporate and investment banking, securities brokerage, transaction services, and wealth management.

Additional information may be found at www.citigroup.com | Twitter: @Citi | YouTube:www.youtube.com/citi | Blog: http://blog.citigroup.com | Facebook: www.facebook.com/citi | LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/citi

About World TeamTennis (WTT)

World TeamTennis showcases the best in professional tennis with the innovative team format co-founded by Billie Jean King in the 1970s. Recognized as the leader in professional team tennis competition, WTT features many of the world’s best players competing annually for the King Trophy, the League’s championship trophy named after King. Since the League’s debut, virtually every major champion of the Open era has played WTT, including Andre Agassi, Venus and Serena Williams, Pete Sampras, Stefanie Graf, Andy Roddick, Kim Clijsters, Bob and Mike Bryan, Martina Hingis, Maria Sharapova, Lindsay Davenport, John McEnroe, Jimmy Connors, Martina Navratilova, Chris Evert and Naomi Osaka. WTT will kick off its 44th season in July 2019. Learn more about the history and league champions of World TeamTennis on the history page.

 

About NYJTL:

The mission of New York Junior Tennis & Learning is to develop the character of young people through tennis and education for a lifetime of success on and off the court.  Since 1971, NYJTL has changed lives through tennis, education, healthy living, and character development programs.  Today, it is the largest youth tennis and education non-profit in the nation, reaching more than 85,000 K-12 New York City youth.

NYJTL celebrates the diversity of the children who participate in every program, providing 3,000,000 hours of year-round programming that serves youth from all five boroughs.  During the critical summer months, NYJTL operates in 39 community tennis sites.  All NYJTL Community Tennis and Afterschool programs are offered at no cost to its participants.

 

New York Empire Media Contacts:

Chris Madigan, BZA PR on behalf of New York Empire: chrism@bzapr.com; 203.918.1652

Colin Bradley, BZA PR on behalf of New York Empire: colinb@bzapr.com; 860.490.2710

NYJTL Players Compete in the Tie Break Tens Challenger USA at the BNP Paribas Open

Not even the snowstorm in the early morning hours of March 4, 2019 could stop the finalists of the Tie Break Tens Challenger USA from getting to their destination– the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California. Cancelled flights, early trains to the Philadelphia airport, and Los Angeles rush hour traffic proved only to be mere inconveniences. On March 5 the players woke up to a clear, bright morning.

At 9 AM, the players arrived at the BNP Paribas Open, also known as Tennis Paradise. Soon after, Keisha, Imani, Deliala, and Alani stepped onto Court 2 of the Indian Wells Tennis Garden, outfitted in brand new Winners of the Tie Break Tens Challenger Finals arrive at the BNP Paribas OpenFILA tennis apparel, including skirts, tanks, polos, and shoes. Shawn, Romero, Christian and Charlie, also in their new FILA apparel, ran drills to acclimate to the outdoor court, situated in the Coachella Valley. The Tie Break Tens Challenger was set to begin.

After two hours and 10 round-robin matches, Deliala Friedman and Charlie Robertson proved triumphant as the winners of the 2019 Tie Break Tens Challenger USA! Their victories were sealed by a trophy presentation from Cy Dofitas, US Grassroots and Promotions Manager of Wilson Racquet Sports. But the trip of a lifetime wasn’t over yet.

Winners of the Tie Break Tens Challenger arrive at the BNP Paribas Openreceive their trophies, presented by Wilson

The players spent the day living like the pros, dining in the VIP Players Lounge and watching the BNP Paribas Open qualifiers. During the afternoon, the players got exclusive, behind-the-scenes access to the Wilson Tennis photo shoot with Serena Williams and Roger Federer. On behalf of Wilson, each player was gifted a Clash Racket, their newest edition that utilizes revolutionary racket technology. Keisha said of the experience, “My heart lifted when we were able to play on [grass courts] to try out our new rackets. We even got a hello from the one and only Roger Federer and saw little Olympia playing on the grass.”

Finalist of the Tie Break Tens Challenger, Romero, tests out his new Wilson Clash RacketBack at the Tennis Garden, a brief bout of rain threatened to end the evening early, but the skies cleared in time for Tie Break Tens Inaugural Eisenhower Cup, headlined by eight of the world’s top Mens players including Rafael Nadal and Stan Wawrinka. As the tournament began, the kids got their 15 minutes of fame as their interview with an announcer was broadcast to the stadium’s nearly 8,000 spectators. Cary Leeds Center Director of Tennis Liezel Huber and Tournament Director Mark Oljaca also basked in the limelight when the Tie Break Tens Challenger sponsorship video broadcast on the big screen as well.


Both the Cary Leeds Center and NYJTL would like to extend the most grateful thank you to Tie Break Tens, the team at FILA including Lauren Mallon, Senior Global Marketing Manager, and Wilson Tennis for their incredible generosity in organizing this opportunity for our players. As Keisha described it, “It really is Tennis Paradise.”