Alex Ortega
To learn about tennis events in Patterson Park, as well as other youth sporting and recreational programs, call 410-276-3676.
With all the excitement of the World Cup and Wimbledon, it might have been easy to overlook the tennis that was going on in Patterson Park. But Adidas saw it, and so did the U.S. Tennis Association. And as a result, a local 9-year-old will be traveling to Baltimore County in a few weeks to attend tennis camp on a full scholarship.
Alex Ortega, who attends Patterson Park Public Charter School, won a scholarship to attend the Adidas Tennis Camp at University of Maryland, Baltimore County. Ortega, who has been active with the Friends’ sports programs, and has participated in the summer, fall, and indoor QuickStart Tennis clinics) was selected to attend the week-long camp led by UMBC’s head tennis coach, Ron Hubbard.
According to Ortega’s mother, Virginia Ryan, Alex hasn’t been playing long, but has developed an affinity for the game.
“He played tennis with the Friends of Patterson Park, and played there in the park last summer. They just taught him the basics of tennis, and he learned a lot from it.”
Ortega says he hopes to play the sport as he gets older.
“It’s a fun sport,” he says. “I like it. I liked it right from the start.”
“I hope he continues to do it,” says Ryan. “He can keep on doing it through the community and through the Friends. He’s very excited.”
Ortega liked the sport right from the very beginning, he notes.
“It was fun at first and then it got even funner.”
Note: To learn about activities planned for children at Patterson Park, including future QuickStart Tennis clinics as well as soccer, nature education and more, go to www.pattersonpark.com or call 410-276-3676.
by MARY HELEN SPRECHER NEWSROOM@baltimoreguide.com
