Competition and camaraderie resume once again in the seventh annual Kim Atkins Memorial Tennis Tournament on Aug. 25 and 26 at the Rockdale Tennis Center. The popular tournament, named USTA’s Georgia Charity Event of the Year in both 2007 and 2010, raises awareness and funds on behalf of local women for breast cancer detection.
Kimberley Chance Atkins Foundation’s Executive Director Brenda Edwards said all proceeds go towards mammography vouchers for uninsured and under-insured women through their partnership with Rockdale Medical Center and the Rockdale County Health Department. On Aug.1, KCAF began the same voucher program with Newton Medical Center.
Contributing to a good cause while having a good time doing it has always been an event hallmark. Returning are many of the event’s favorite elements with a few new twists.
The annual kick-off, the Serve ‘Em Up party, will be held the weekend before the tournament on Aug.17 at 7 p.m. at Club 908. Traditionally, it had been the night before the event making it difficult for players drawing an 8 a.m. match on Saturday to fully embrace the cocktail party featuring a beer tasting by Peach State Brewing, live music courtesy of The Peeled Onions and silent auction. Auction items may be previewed on the web site, www.kimatkins.net. The party is open to the community – non-players may purchase tickets for $20 on the web site, and a limited number will be available at the door.
Tournament divisions include levels AA through C in women and men’s doubles; as well as senior mixed doubles and family doubles – an adult and child, ages eight through eighteen. Though Aug. 10 was the initial registration cut-off, Edwards said players may still attempt registering online for a few days past the deadline as brackets are still being formulated – particularly in the family, senior and men’s doubles categories. The fee is $90 per team.
New to play this year is a consolation round. Teams ousted in the first round may elect to play an additional match against another eliminated team.
The tennis ball drop is also back this year. On tournament Saturday at 1 p.m., a bucket truck will drop 250 marked balls on an open court. The closest to the target wins $1,000. Balls can be purchased for $10 on the web site.
Edwards encourages those able to become a “breast” friend – a $175 donation sponsors one mammography voucher and nets a ticket to the Serve ‘Em Up party. For more information on the event’s line-up or to buy tickets, visit www.kimatkins.net.
