The fundraiser organized by Philippine Davis Cup tennis star Cecil Mamiit with the help of some hardworking friends and unstinted support from former tennis great Michael Chang and his wife, Mamiit’s former Davis Cup partner Eric Taino and outstanding Korean-American pro Kevin Kim who some years ago was ranked No. 65 in the world proved to be a resounding success.
The exhibition matches featuring the top players were exciting both for the players and the fans with a television crew from the California bureau of ABS-CBN there to cover the event which also included a whole day of fun and games..
Held at the La Mirada Tennis Courts along Adelfa Drive in California, the tennis exhibition proved to be a big hit and the donations exceeded Mamiit’s hopes. He had set a goal of raising about $5,000 from the whole-day affair but ended up getting just over $9,000 which he will personally donate to the relief operations undertaken by the giant broadcast network ABS-CBN for the victims of typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng when he arrives in Manila prior to leaving for Laos for the South East Asian Games this December.
Mamiit said “everyone went home happy, especially the kids since we had a lot of giveaways and prizes. ” He said there were about 300 people that came out and indicated the support was tremendous.
The country’s No.1 singles player in the Davis Cup team who h as sparked a revival of interest and support for the sport alongside Taino who no longer plays competitive tennis and his new partner Treat Huey said “it was great that we held everything at a park venue. I grew up in a park so I consider myself a park player and to be somewhat successful at this sport its fitting going back to my roots.”
Mamiit acknowledged that tennis had given him so much in life and “this is my way of giving back to the community. This is for the Philippine tennis community. It love the sport of tennis and it should be shared with all those who have supported me throughout my career.” He added “I take on the responsibility of representing Philippine tennis with great integrity.”
Mamiit expressed his fervent hope that “tennis will become a passion for some kids to make a difference.”
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