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JOINING THE FAMILY CIRCLE TENNIS CENTER AND THE CITY OF CHARLESTON AS THEY HONOR SOUTH CAROLINA NATIVE AND TENNIS PIONEER, ALTHEA GIBSON, BY NAMING THE CENTER'S SHOW COURT THE "ALTHEA GIBSON CLUB COURT" IN COMMEMORATION OF ONE OF THE SPORT'S TRUE LEGENDS.
Whereas, Althea Gibson was born in 1927 in Silver, South Carolina; and
Whereas, upon relocating to Harlem in New York City, she was drawn to the sport of tennis; and
Whereas, her game and those of other great Black players, like Arthur Ashe, were nurtured and sharpened through the efforts of the American Tennis Association at a time when they were not allowed to play in events sponsored by the United States Lawn Tennis Association; and
Whereas, upon her historic debut in the 1950 U. S. Nationals, sponsored by the United States Lawn Tennis Association on the grass of Forest Hills, she fought off the three-time Wimbledon titleholder, Louise Brough, until a thunderstorm delayed the second-round match; and
Whereas, only six years later, she won the French Championships, as well as the women's doubles titles in Paris and at Wimbledon; and
Whereas, she was voted Female Athlete of the Year by the Associated Press in 1957 and 1958, the first Black to be so honored; and
Whereas, her legacy to the world of tennis and to disadvantaged youth is perpetuated by the Althea Gibson Foundation which continues to commit time and money to entrepreneurial and athletic training to youngsters, starting with the City Schools of Charleston; and
Whereas, it is with great pride and deep respect that the people of South Carolina participate in this tribute to a great athlete and a great lady. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
That the members of the House of Representatives join the Family Circle Tennis Center and the City of Charleston as they honor South Carolina native and tennis pioneer, Althea Gibson, by naming the Center's show court the "Althea Gibson Club Court" in commemoration of one of the sport's true legends.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to representatives of the Family Circle Tennis Center.
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