15 love Tennis

An organization dedicated to helping children through sports just earned a big assist.

The USTA Foundation, the national charitable organization of the United States Tennis Association, on Monday awarded the 15-LOVE Program a $10, 000 grant.

Amber Marino, executive director, said the money will be used for the 15-LOVE Leadership Program for high school students. The program includes tennis on Friday and Saturday nights to "keep the kids off the streets, " she said, and off-court leadership training.

"They are learning all sorts of skills, " she said, noting that several of the 15-LOVE students will be involved in a leadership program during winter break this week at Camp Chingachgook near Lake George. They also are currently involved in developing a public service project, an activity that gives back to the community.

Since 1990, 15-LOVE has served more than 40, 000 inner-city youth, according to the group's website. It was founded with the help of the late tennis champion Arthur Ashe.

The motto of 15-LOVE is "using tennis to teach the game of life" and described a multifaceted program that stresses education, healthy living, positive values and multicultural friendships. The 15-LOVE program relies on community support and grants for its activities with a special emphasis on the inner cities of Albany, Troy, Schenectady and Rensselaer.

In addition to tennis instruction, 15-LOVE also offers a Healthy Cooking and Gardening Program, book clubs, school supply and book distribution programs.