By E.J. Crawford, USTA.com
The beginning of spring means warmer weather and more chances to get out on the court and play tennis. Once again in 2016, the USTA made the most of that opportunity, setting up a youth tennis space at the annual White House Easter Egg Roll and drawing some of the biggest names in tennis, sport and politics.
Headlining that list was President Barack Obama, who swung by to pick up a youth tennis racquet and play with some of the youngsters assembled.
Click here to watch President Obama playing youth tennis during the event
Also on hand were NBA great Shaquille O'Neal and some of the biggest names in tennis, including USTA Chairman of the Board, CEO and President Katrina Adams; USTA Foundation Chairman and former world No. 4 James Blake; current world No. 22 and USTA Foundation Player & Celebrity Advisory Council member Sloane Stephens; former Top 10 player and current USTA board member Chanda Rubin; 2015 NCAA men’s singles champion Ryan Shane; and Top 100 women’s player Shelby Rogers.
Click here to see a photo gallery from the 2016 event
The USTA and its charitable entity, the USTA Foundation, contributed to the event, partnering with the National Park Foundation to support the Easter Egg Roll and, by extension, First Lady Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move!” initiative.
Throughout the day, USTA executives and staff, as well as current and former pros, worked with children via on-court youth tennis activities.
The theme of this year’s Easter Egg Roll was “Let’s Celebrate.” The event featured live music, sport courts, cooking stations, storytelling, Easter egg rolling and the first-ever White House Fun Run.