By Matt Youngfrau
MONTICELLO — May 28, 2002 – Sports is a good way to exercise, let out frustrations and socialize. It is especially important for children to learn these things.
With those ideals in mind, the Village of Monticello Parks and Recreation Department offers many sports programs throughout the year.
This month, the department offered free tennis lessons Thursday afternoons at deHoyos Park. The lessons were free and participants were divided into three sections – an adult group and two groups of Juniors (ages 8-11 and ages 12-16).
“It is a wonderful thing,” Monticello Parks and Recreation Department Director Betsy Conaty said. “It is neat to see the kids come out, it is fun. What is nice about this program is that they are all on the same level – they are all beginners.”
“It is very needed,” commented tennis instructor Urvashi “Tutu” Gupta. “The kids do well. They have a great time.”
The course was offered by the Village Parks and Recreation Department and the Matchpoint Tennis Academy. The USA 1-2-3 program is paid for by a grant from the United States Tennis Association.
Dozens of people, mostly Juniors, have taken advantage of the program. Gupta, coach of the Monticello Central School girls’ tennis team, was assisted by one of her players, Brady Dollard.
The beginner program teaches the basic skills of tennis to the students. They learned such skills as the serve, volley, lob, and backhand. Gupta and Dollard divided the groups and worked with them on their game.
This Thursday (May 30) will be the final day of lessons. That afternoon, the students will play matches against each other.
However, the students are encouraged to continue playing after the program concludes.
They can come to deHoyos Park during the summer to play tennis. Also, Gupta offers private lessons for a very nominal fee.