Serving Charities

Amateurs go up against the big guns in Pro-Am tennis tourney

Comments (0) Thursday, Dec 11 2003

SAT 12/13As the holiday season nears, we all tend to be struck by the need to give back to those less fortunate. With those charitable feelings in mind, the "Swingtime Pro Celebrity Tennis and Golf Classic" takes place at the Ibis Golf and Country Club (8225 Ibis Blvd., West Palm Beach) this weekend, benefiting brain tumor patients and their families.

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Among the stars playing tennis are Andy Roddick, James Blake, Todd Martin, Chris Evert, Mary Joe Fernandez, Jim Courier, Marty Fish, Aaron Krickstein, Brenda Shultz-McCarthy, and Vince Spadea.

Saturday's schedule kicks off at 9 a.m. with the tennis pro-am, where entrants can play alongside the stars. Five tennis exhibition matches begin at 1 p.m., culminating with the day's main event, pitting Roddick against Blake. The Swingtime Gala, including a reception and three-course meal, happens Saturday at 7 p.m. On Sunday, a 9 a.m. shotgun start begins the golf tournament. The format is four-man best ball, and each playing group will be joined by a celebrity guest.

Tickets for Saturday's tennis exhibition cost $35 to $55. Tickets for the evening gala and golf tournament and entry into the pro-am are separate. Call 561-394-9190. -- Russ EvansThe Race Is On

Run from those holiday pounds

In the mood to sweat off a few pounds from Thanksgiving? The sixth-annual "Weston Rotary Half Marathon and 5k Run" takes place Sunday at Weston Regional Park (600 Indian Trace Rd., Weston). Registration begins at 5:30 a.m. The half marathon starts at 7 a.m., and the 5k starts at 7:30 a.m. Divisions for the races range from age 19 and younger through age 95 and older. Prizes are given to the top three overall, the top three per age group, the top three Weston residents, and the top wheelchair participant.

A post-race pancake breakfast and family festival starts at 9 a.m. Registration for the half marathon is $25 and $20 for the 5k. Call 954-384-7521. -- Russ Evans