First Serve on News 12 Connecticut
Thank You Pequot Running Club of Southport, CT for your Generosity and Ongoing Support!
Charley Biggs (pictured left), Packer Wilbur (pictured right)
The Pequot Running Club in Southport Connecticut announces its support of First Serve Bridgeport one of the many local charities it has assisted over the years. Packer Wilbur, founder of the Club, presents a check to Charley Biggs, Board Member of First Serve Bridgeport.
First Serve Bridgeport is a National Junior Tennis and Learning (NJTL) program, validated and endorsed by the United States Tennis Association (USTA), that provides unique tennis, educational, and growth opportunities, which collectively serve to strengthen character and open a pathway to success for less-advantaged children living in Bridgeport, CT. We support and help develop skills through academics, tennis and mentoring.
Our end-goal is spectacularly simple and straightforward: to improve the lives of under-privileged and at-risk children, both now and in their futures.
And we do this by teaching them skills and engaging them in experiences that will further their potential.
The Pequot Running Club has been in existence for 47 years and is the sponsor of the Thanksgiving Day Five Mile Race in Southport Connecticut as well as other running and walking events. Over the years, the Club has given more than $1,000,000 to local charities.
Player Highlight
One of our 5th graders tennis stars Sofia has won her first tournament! Congratulations to her and her FirstServe Bridgeport coaches. Sofia is also a student at Horizons at Greens Farms Academy.
Horizons at Greens Farms Academy (GFA) helps underserved students from Bridgeport develop strong academic, social and emotional skills, habits of mind and the resilience to succeed in school and pursue a meaningful, choice-filled life.
Horizons in partnership with GFA, PreK-8 students attend a six-week summer program of small classes led by professional, nurturing teachers. Students engage with an individualized curriculum emphasizing reading, writing and math. Enrichment activities, including swimming and music, expose students to new opportunities. During the school year, Saturday Academy provides academic and social continuity. Horizons assists its high school and college students through one-on-one tutoring, mentoring, and college counseling.
On the road with First Serve
An update on Bridgeport Central High School Tennis
from Andrew McConnell
There was a terrific outpouring of donations, culminating in a substantial one from Westporters Mike and Becky Goss. Not only were we able to purchase and renovate a van for the team, but First Serve Bridgeport endowed the team with its first annual college scholarship. It was awarded to our girls team captain, Phonsavanh Keophannga, who's currently attending Fairfield University.
In addition, the team was recognized this past season for its achievements. Fellow FCIAC coaches once again awarded the Best Sportsmanship Award to our girls team and I was named Boys Tennis Coach of the Year. Among the coaches voicing support for our team was Staples tennis coach (and former FCIAC Coach of the Year himself) Kris Hrisovulos, who noted our team’s effort, sportsmanship and character. My team and I greatly appreciate the opportunity to compete with the best teams in the state, and more importantly, to allow our players a chance to excel on and off the court through playing tennis.
We welcome your continued support!
Sacred Heart Ace
Thanks to Sacred Heart University's top ranked Women's Tennis team for all their coaching!
First Serve is strongly supported by tennis students from Sacred Heart University. Members of both the Sacred Heart’s men and women’s tennis team provide on-court coaching support. Off-court academics are also supported by Sacred Heart University student volunteers. Student also provide academic support, mentorship, and guidance in post-secondary planning.