The Junior Orange Bowl Tennis Committee hosted its International Tennis Championship Kickoff Reception on Nov. 1 at the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables. The event marked the beginning of what should prove to be a memorable year for the JOBC Tennis Committee as members celebrate the tournament’s 50th anniversary.
The event also served as the unveiling of this year’s International Tennis Championships commemorative artwork designed by Miguel Paredes. The artwork reflects Paredes’ contemporary style while incorporating themes representing tennis and the City of Coral Gables. Paredes is a Miami-based artist who has a gallery in the Wynwood Art District.
The event was attended by a number of South Florida tennis icons including tennis legend Gardnar Mulloy, Wimbledon Champion and honorary chair of the reception.
Other notable South Florida tennis greats in attendance were Bobby Curtis and Butch Buchholz. Curtis worked for USTA Florida and has been involved in virtually every tournament and aspect of Florida junior tennis during the past 30-plus years. Buchholz, a member of the International Tennis Hall of Fame, is a former professional tennis player who founded the Miami International Masters Series. The tournament, currently sponsored by Sony Ericsson, takes place yearly on Key Biscayne and is considered a premier event on both the men’s and women’s tours.
The Junior Orange Bowl Tennis Committee was honored with a proclamation from the City of Coral Gables by Mayor Jim Cason, who spoke at the event. The City of Coral Gables also was represented by Vice Mayor William Kerdyk and tennis director Robert Gomez.
The committee took time to thank the City of Coral Gables, the Biltmore Hotel, Bacardi, IMG Tennis, and Blooming Design for their contributions to the kickoff reception.
The 50th Junior Orange Bowl International Tennis Championships is scheduled Dec. 14-23 at various locations in Coral Gables and Miami. For more information, visit online at www.jrorangebowl.org/tennis.
The Junior Orange Bowl Festival is possible with the support of the City of Coral Gables, Miami Children’s Hospital, Orange Bowl Committee, Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs, Cultural Affairs Council, Miami-Dade County Tourist Development Council, Miami-Dade County Mayor and Board of County Commissioners.
For information, call 305-662-1210 or visit the website at www.jrorangebowl.org.
