Registration is now open for one of the most exciting and worth-while tennis events of the year. The eighth annual Kim Atkins Memorial Tennis Tournament will take place Aug. 24 and 25 at the Rockdale Tennis Center.
The tournament is the biggest fundraisers for the Kimberley Chance Atkins Foundation for breast cancer awareness and early detection. Proceeds go towards the eventual purchase of a mobile mammography unit and vouchers for mammograms for women in need. So far, more than 300 women have had mammograms provided through the program, which in partnership with the Rockdale and Newton public health department, and Rockdale Medical and Newton Medical.
Different divisions include men's doubles, women's doubles, mixed doubles and senior mixed doubles. Children ages thirteen to eighteen may compete with a parent. The registration cost per team before July 31 is $80. After July 31, registration will be $90.
Last year, the tournament saw 72 teams. This year, organizers hope to go as high as 100 teams, said Foundation Executive Director Brenda Edwards.
The kick-off party, the Breast Party in Town, will take place at Club 908 in Olde Town Conyers on Friday, August 16. The cost is $20 for non-players and free for registered adult players. The party will feature live music, a beer tasting and a silent auction. A sample of auction items from previous years can be viewed at www.kimatkins.net.
Players and non-players alike will have a chance to win $1,000 at the tournament with the Ball Drop raffle. Up to 250 tennis balls are available for purchase at $10 each. On the day of the tournament, the numbered balls will be dropped from a lift onto a tennis court with a target. The owner of the ball closest to the target wins $1,000.
The tournament was named the USTA Georgia's Charity Event of the Year in 2007 and again in 2010. Proceeds from this event go to the Kimberly Chance Atkins Foundation and will be used to raise breast cancer awareness.
The deadline to register is August 10 and can be completed at www.kimatkins.net.
