Ben Pryor
Special to ICT
The North American Indian Tennis Association is hosting its annual national championship tournament in Tulsa, Oklahoma, over the holiday weekend, bringing celebrations of Native culture along with more than 100 players to the courts.
The NAITA Championship provides a culturally-centered opportunity for Native tennis players, with this year’s tournament including more than 125 players spanning ages 13-69 and representing 23 tribes.
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The tournament runs May 26-28, starting with an opening ceremony on Friday that features drummers and singers who infuse the tennis courts with a vibrant atmosphere.
Singles matches begin Friday night, followed by mixed doubles and other matches held throughout Saturday and Sunday.
“Part of the goal is to get people more aware of what we’re about, and that there’s an actual North American Indian Tennis Association tournament each year,” said tournament director Jessica RedCorn, Osage.
The NAITA tournament is a remarkable event that has involved Native communities since its inception in 1976. Now in its 47th year, the tournament holds a special place in the hearts of many Native families, who come together on Memorial Day weekend for a unique blend of tennis competitions and family reunions, officials said.
The tournament this year will be held at the Case Tennis Center at LaFortune Park in Tulsa. In addition to the tournament play, it will also include special events for players 12 and under, including training Sunday by tennis pros and new tennis rackets for young participants.
Renewed energy
The championship was founded in 1976 in San Diego, California, by a small group of Native tennis players led by Cecilia Fire Thunder, Oglala Sioux, who wanted to bring tennis to Indian Country.
Since then, the tournament has expanded each year. For this year’s tournament, many players will bring their families to participate in celebrations of Native culture – such as blessings from tribal chiefs and the sharing of song, dance, and food – in addition to playing tennis.
The tournament typically is held in a different location each year, hosted by enthusiastic communities willing to embrace the event. This year promises to be a special edition, with an unprecedented number of participants and renewed energy.
The tournament provides food throughout the weekend, including a catered banquet on Saturday evening. This year’s banquet will also serve as an awards ceremony, honoring the outstanding performances of the participants.
RedCorn has been instrumental in recognizing the immense potential of the event. With her background in business, sales, and Native consulting, she tapped into her vast network to secure sponsorships and spread awareness about the tournament. RedCorn’s commitment to the tournament’s success led her to obtain the 501(c)(3) nonprofit status, making the NAITA an officially recognized and funded organization.
“I’ve been on the committee for about three years now,” said RedCorn. “I could see that there was so much more potential for this tournament.”
The tournament holds a deeply personal significance for RedCorn, as she proudly shares a familial connection with its founding members.
Her uncles, Charlie and Jerry RedCorn, joined with other important leaders, including Dr. George Blue Spruce, Jr., recognized as the first Native person to graduate from dental school, as part of the tournament’s original committee.
In recognition of their invaluable contributions, an honorary dedication will be held during this year’s banquet to pay tribute to their lasting impact on the tournament’s legacy.
A new generation
With support from tribal communities, private companies and passionate individuals, the tournament continues to thrive each year, honoring not only the rich heritage of Native athletes but also cultivating new traditions and inspiring the next generation of players.
The association is hosting a free kids clinic on Sunday, from 2-4 p.m. for children 12 and younger.
“Any Native American child that knows how to play tennis and is 12 years or younger participates,” said RedCorn. “But if they want to learn how to play tennis, or even if they do know how to play, we have some tennis pros that have volunteered their time to run this clinic for them. And they do some tennis drills.”
RedCorn and the tournament received a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to sponsor 285 new tennis rackets for the kids, who will also receive a free tournament T-shirt.
May is National Tennis Month, a nationwide grassroots effort driven by the United States Tennis Association and its industry partners to celebrate tennis as it continues to grow across the U.S.
“The increase in tennis participation for the third year in a row is not only important for the health of our sport, but also for the health and well-being of those who have made the game a part of their lives,” said Brian Hainline, board chairman and president of the U.S. Tennis Association.
“Tennis has a multitude of benefits, ranging from the mental to the physical,” Hainline said, “and we are excited to help lead the continued growth of a sport that helps players of all ages and ability levels stay active and healthy.”
For more information about National Tennis Month, visit USTA.com/NationalTennisMonth or search hashtag #NationalTennisMonth on social media.
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