Tournament slated to raise funds for new tennis program

The Buffalo Niagara Community Tennis Association, in collaboration with Summit Educational Resources, will hold the inaugural Shining Stars Adaptive Tennis Program Leap Year Tournament from 6:30 to 11 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 29 at The Miller Tennis Center, 5959 Sheridan Drive, Williamsville, and The Village Glen Tennis Club, 162 Mill St., Williamsville.

Player registration is from 5:30 to 7 p.m. with first-round tennis beginning at 7:30 p.m. and final rounds at 10 p.m. Closing ceremonies will be held at 10:30 p.m. at the Village Glen Tennis Club.

Jimmy Arias will serve as honorary tournament chairman. Arias is a commentator for ESPN International and the Tennis Channel.

The entry fee is bronze ($40), silver ($60) or gold ($100) and includes one non-tennis player guest.

The entry deadline is Feb. 15.

The minimum donation is $40 with checks made to BNCTA. If you are unable to participate and wish to make a donation, checks can be mailed to (official tax receipts will be provided) - BNCTA, Hiler Postal Station, P.O. Box 472, Buffalo, NY 14223.

All proceeds will help fund the Shining Stars program, an adaptive tennis program geared for WNY children with autism. The program is set to begin in the spring of 2008.

For registration and information, e-mail adaptivetennis@ gmail.com or call Pam Almeter (435-4356) or Shawna Macfarlane (531-5862).

For more information, visit www. bncta. com.