Arthur Ashe Youth Tennis and Education shares a deep interest in ensuring that young people come of age with a strong sense of character and ethics.  Indeed, our organization’s namesake Arthur Ashe was the embodiment of strong character, both as a tennis champion, and perhaps of greater importance, as a person.  Our democracy and our economy, as well as our communities and our everyday individual relationships, are predicated on people treating others with respect, honesty, and fairness.  When we fail to keep our word, treat others based upon preconceived notions, or stand idly by when acts of injustice are taking place, the consequences are severe.  Good character, however, is not innate and therefore must be taught, learned, experienced, and lived.
 
We are delighted to be co-hosting with World Team Tennis and the Down the Line and Beyond Foundation, a workshop called “The Character Court” sponsored by the Hamlin Family Foundation.   The Hamlins believe, as do we, that the challenges presented in competitive sport provide excellent opportunities for young people to reflect upon how they manage their emotional responses to authentic real world situations, and through structured and thoughtful discussions about these experiences a young person is able to better understand what constitutes virtuous character.
 
By creating an environment that fosters youth exploration into what constitutes good character we are assisting in their growth as responsible citizens who can critically think about and constructively challenge society’s traditional norms and values.