Rain or shine, the much-anticipated, third-annual Dirk Nowitzki Pro Celebrity Tennis Classic will make a smash on Saturday, September 15, 2018, at the SMU Tennis Complex in Dallas, TX. The tournament featuring Dirk Nowitzki, Andy Roddick, Boris Kodjoe, Mark Knowles, Tommy Haas, Steel Lafferty, and more, benefit the children charities of the Dirk Nowitzki Foundation.
Dirk Nowitzki is an NBA player]][r with the Dallas Mavericks and owns multiple franchise records including career points, three-point field goals, free throws, rebounds, and points in a single game. Among his numerous accolades, he is the highest-scoring foreign-born player in NBA history and currently is ranked 7th in all-time scoring, with over 28,000 regular season points.
Being one of the few who are able to pursue a dream and rise to the top, Dirk takes his work on the court very seriously, however, he is just as committed to making a difference off the court. Through his philanthropic work, he soon realized that giving back to children was his passion and the Dirk Nowitzki Foundation was born. The foundation awards grants annually to organizations focusing on children’s well-being, health, and education.
“I was very fortunate to be able to realize my dream and become a professional athlete. With my experiences in sports, I learned that you have to work hard to reach your goal, but many children around the world need help to even have a chance to enhance their lives and to realize their dreams. With the Dirk Nowitzki Foundation, I want to help provide education, health, and well-being for these children and to make a difference in their lives. Whether it’s through sports, such as providing tennis lessons to underprivileged children, or other educational initiatives, we aim to create opportunities for them to succeed.” — Dirk
On Saturday, he will be joined by his friends for his biggest fundraiser of the year to support the foundation. Returning this year will be Andy Roddick, 2003 US Open champion and International Hall of Fame inductee, German actor, Boris Kodjoe, well-known for his role as Dr. Will Campbell in Code Black, Mark Knowles, Grand Slam doubles champion and five-time Olympian, Tommy Haas 2000 Olympic medalist and Steel Lafferty, 2017 Wakeboarder of the Year, who will be new to participate in the event this year.
Tickets are $20 for adults and youth; children 3 and under are free
Additional Details:
Saturday, Sept. 15, 2018 – 11 a.m.-3 p.m. (gates open at 10 a.m.)
SMU Tennis Complex, 5669 N. Central Expwy. in Dallas
| Photos courtesy of Dirk Nowitzki
