NEWPORT, RHODE ISLAND, June 23, 2008 -- The International Tennis Hall of Fame is accepting donations of usable tennis racquets to be distributed to youth groups and recreation programs throughout the summer. Since 1987, the International Tennis Hall of Fame has collected racquets and provided them to numerous youth programs, such as the Arthur Ashe Youth Tennis & Education group.

Usable racquets may be sent to the International Tennis Hall of Fame prior to July 4, 2008 to the mailing address: 194 Bellevue Avenue, Newport, RI 02840. Racquets may also be dropped off at the International Tennis Hall of Fame Museum, 194 Bellevue Avenue in Newport, daily between 9:30am and 5:00pm

For donating a usable tennis racquet prior to the 4th of July, the International Tennis Hall of Fame will give two complimentary South Stand tickets to this year’s tournament, played for the Van Alen Cup July 7-13. Through the Donate a Racquet Program, tickets will be available for tournament matches held on Monday, July 7th and Tuesday, July 8th. For more information regarding the Donate a Racquet Program, please call the Campbell’s Hall of Fame Tennis Championships Tournament Office at 401-849-6053.

The Campbell’s Hall of Fame Tennis Championships follows the Wimbledon fortnight and is the only ATP event played on grass in North America. Current players who will compete in Newport include Mardy Fish, John Isner, Vince Spadea, Nicolas Mahut (the Campbell’s 2007 finalist) and defending champion Fabrice Santoro.

In conjunction with the Campbell’s Hall of Fame Tennis Championships, the International Tennis Hall of Fame will hold its annual Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Saturday, July 12th. The Class of 2008 will be represented by 1989 French Open Champion Michael Chang and contributors Mark McCormack and Eugene Scott (both posthumously). Presenting Michael Chang for induction will be his brother, Carl. Presenting Mark McCormack for induction will be Monica Seles, and Eugene L. Scott will be presented by 1999 Hall of Famer John McEnroe. On Sunday, the Hall of Fame Classic exhibition matches will feature Michael Chang along with Hall of Famer Stan Smith and former professional stars Todd Martin, Tom Gullikson, and others to be announced.

Tickets are available for all sessions of the Campbell’s Hall of Fame Tennis Championships, the Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and the Hall of Fame Classic. For additional information or to purchase tickets, call 866-914-FAME or go online to www.tennisfame.com.

Hall of Fame Class of 2008: Michael Chang, Mark McCormack, Gene Scott
Kat Anderson
International Tennis Hall of Fame and Museum
Marketing & Public Relations Manager
194 Bellevue Avenue, Newport, RI 02840
p: 401-849-3990 f:401-324-4055
e: kat@tennisfame.com
Visit us online at www.tennisfame.com

Campbell's Hall of Fame Tennis Championships, July 7-13
International Tennis Hall of Fame Champions Cup, August 13-17