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Tennis Brings Diverse American Communities Together: McGee & Muniz Win Typhoon Haiyan Tennis Open PhilBoxing.com Tue, 24 Dec 2013  Orlando, Florida- Americans from multiple races came out for an all day affair to help it's faraway neighbors in the Philippines. The city of Orlando played host to the Typhoon Haiyan Tennis Tournament, which raised money and awareness for the natural disasters caused by the infamous, record breaking Typhoon Haiyan. The event was organized by international sports production company Dragon Promotions and sponsored by RealRealCool.com with Commissioner Daisy W. Lynum of Orlando District. The event took place on the beautiful clay courts of the Orlando Tennis Centre. "I was really thrilled at the turnout we had in such a short period of time. So many diverse communities came to play and help, which just shows Orlando is a symbol of multiculturalism. I'm really proud of my city and thankful for the bond of tennis. Plus, you can't beat the weather here in December!", said Charlie Williams, Executive Producer of Dragon Promotions. The Korean born Williams is a 16 year resident of Orlando. "Our goal was not just to raise money, but keep awareness to the rest of the world that the Philippines still needs our help. To my knowledge, this was the only sports benefit in Orlando for Typhoon Haiyan. And perhaps the only tennis benefit event for the Philippines in the United States", said Cindy Lee, CEO of Dragon Promotions. A combination of word of mouth and a massive social media push filled the tennis field up quickly. Impressively, players came representing several American communities with Koreans, Vietnamese, Hispanic, South Americans, African Americans, Anglo Americans and Filipinos. Cash and prizes were awarded to the top finishers. "I am very pleased to have my district involved with Dragon Promotions in this great charity event for the Philippines. The Typhoon Haiyan was a terrible disaster, but it's great to see local businesses and the people of Orlando come together to show support for a foreign nation through the spirit of sports", said Commissioner Daisy W. Lynum of Orlando District 5. The finals pitted the two division winners of McGee/Muniz of North Orlando versus East Orlando's Montenegro/Rivera. Both teams were undefeated. McGee/Muniz seemed to be the overwhelming favorite as they won the tougher division and they had youth on their side with their combined ages of 33 years versus the 75 years of Montenegro/Rivera. True to the predictions, the teenagers used their speed, Muniz's powerful serves and McGee's dynamic forehands to rattle off the first 3 game wins in a row, and it seemed like it would be a short finals. But then Montenegro (originally from Dumaguete City, Philippines) and Rivera ( originally from Puerto Rico) fought back with heart and determination to evolve the match into an exciting finals! With the cheers of the crowd behind them, the older team made it to 7 games forcing the match to be extended to a race to 9 games win by two. But the battled hardened McGee/Muniz held their nerves together and edged out the East Orlando veterans to win 9-7 and clinch the championship. "I like chicken", said Tayjhon McGee in the closing ceremony champions speech to some laughter when asked how he felt about the win. The 15 year old McGee is one of the nation's top junior players and will be enrolling full time to a Florida tennis academy in March to pursue a professional career. "I was surprised at how good they (Montegro/Rivera) played. I wasn't expecting that and it became a really close match. Now we get to celebrate with some Seito Sushi!", said Gabriel Muniz. Gabriel is currently 18 years old and represents West Orange High School as their #1 tennis player. Seito Sushi Baldwin Park was one of the event's main sponsors. In the Ladies Division, Vista Lakes Maryann Ballelos and Kim Han went undefeated to the finals with wins over Becker/Crews 6-3, Laqui/Sanchez 6-1, and after the re-draw another win in a re-match with Laqui/Sanchez in the semi-finals. Jacksonville's team of Camila Becker (originally of Chile) and Amanda Crews took the long route to the finals after their first match loss. They regrouped and won over Thuy/Yillah 6-1, Fiestan/Van Reken 8-2 in the semi-finals, to set up a Orlando versus Jacksonville championship match. Becker/Crews was able to win the first game and held a 4-0 lead in the finals, but the consistent play of the experienced team of Ballesos/Han enabled them to overcome the deficit and win the tournament 8-5. "The Typhoon Haiyan Tennis Tournament was so much fun! We are really glad we came" said Crews in the closing ceremony. James Nguyen who placed 3rd in the event and Kim Han who won the ladies division both graciously donated their prize earnings back to the relief efforts for the Philippines. The event was sponsored by international companies such as www.RealRealCool.com, Dragon Promotions, and Pool & Billiard Magazine. Local Orlando businesses Seito Sushi in Baldwin Park, DC/AC Air Conditioning, Florida Game Room, Dynasty Auto, Coach Jerry Fekete, and Savannah Manor were all contributors. Donations can still be made direct for the ABS-CBN Foundation at http://205.234.241.62/abscbnfoundation/ and also the Philippine Red Cross at http://www.redcross.org.ph . "It's terrific to have seen so many people get behind this event for the Typhoon Haiyan relief. I'm very happy to see the Orlando Tennis Centre utilized in such a positive manner, and promoting good health and goodwill through tennis", said Tom Sweitzer, Director of the Orlando Tennis Centre. The money raised will be sent to the Philippines #1 TV network ABS-CBN that has set up its charity Sagip Kapamilya as well as the Philippine Red Cross. Top photo: Gabriel Muniz's serve propels him to the tournament championship. 
The finalists of the Typhoon Haiyan Tennis Tournament. Rivera, Montenegro, Muniz, McGee, Sweitzer, Becker, Crews, Ballelos, Han, Williams. 
Multiculturalism at its finest as players from different ethnic communities came together for a day of competition and camaraderie to raise money and awareness for the people of the Philippines.  |
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