The United States Tennis Association (USTA) has announced that Timothy Bryant Jr. of Carson is one of 14 winners of the 14th annual USTA/ NJTL Arthur Ashe Essay and Art Contest in the boys 11-12 essay category. Bryant, along with the other winners, ranging in ages from 10 to 18, were selected from over 1,100 essays submitted earlier this summer. Each winner will receive a New York City travel package from August 24-August 26.

“My essay was inspired mostly by Arthur Ashe’s accomplishments on and off the court,” said Bryant. “I admire him for sharing his knowledge about AIDS. He is a role model for individuals who believe that they can succeed if they put their minds to it.”

According to Helen Hines, Bryant’s mother, he has been involved in the LA84 Foundation NJTL Chapter since 2006. His father introduced him to tennis at the age of 5. She said this experience has been very motivating for her son and reinforced the message that education is the key to success on and off the court.

“I think this trip will give Timothy an appreciation for the game of tennis and what it took for someone such as Arthur Ashe to succeed, where few African Americans had excelled during his time,” said Hines.

Bryant will receive round-trip coach airfare to New York City for themselves and a parent/legal guardian. The trip also includes two nights at the Grand Hyatt 42nd Street, and President’s Box tickets to the 2012 Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day presented by Hess on August 25 at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. The weekend will wrap-up with an awards luncheon on August 26, hosted by former New York City Mayor and USTA Board Member David Dinkins, where the winners will receive an honorary plaque.

“I'm looking forward to having fun at Arthur Ashe Kids Day, seeing famous tennis players, and learning more about Arthur Ashe’s legacy in the world of tennis,” Bryant said.

To enter the contest, children were asked to write an essay of 350 words or less, responding to a specific question around Arthur Ashe and his great accomplishments. This year’s question – “If Arthur Ashe were alive today, what do you think would give him hope?”  A USTA sub-committee selected the winning essays based on their knowledge of Arthur Ashe, message clarity, and writing style.

Founded in 1969 by Arthur Ashe, along with Charlie Pasarell and Sheridan Snyder, the USTA/National Junior Tennis & Learning (NJTL) network is a nation-wide group of more than 660 non-profit youth development organizations that provide free or low cost tennis, education and life skills programming to more than 250,000 children each year. Celebrating its 43rd anniversary this year, NJTL is one of the USTA’s largest community-based offerings.