TUR Mini Magazine Sports Section of The Urban Release | Page 7

and emotional aspect that comes with playing. What’s more, he was able to realize, as he became an adult, that he loved the game and would continue with his passion. To this day, that love has never ­ended and Marty still gives both private and group lessons with tireless ­energy. Throughout our interview, I was inspired with how Marty was always trying to redirect the conversation from discussing himself to discussing what great programs his organization has partnered with. He is a pillar in both the Las Vegas and tennis community. He is known for his generosity and he continues to bring notoriety to Nevada proving that there is much more to the Las Vegas community than just adult themes and casinos. Marty marveled when he recalled how he was encouraged by Ryan Wolfington, who noticed his tenacity to succeed and incorporated business into tennis. He wanted to help children learn to achieve greatness. Ryan reports that when he allowed Marty to run his tournaments, he was able to do it better than Ryan and was able to bring in a greater amount of players and interact with everyone in a positive light. Marty says, with a great smile and sparkling eyes, “I started the foundation for two young men, Trent A. and Fredrick P. Both these young The Urban Release However, Marty will explain that it takes three months to get a child over the hump and to be able to see the impact and full benefits that tennis offers. It is his belief that through positive thinking and not giving up, you can achieve success. Educamen went on to college and now tion, volunteering and kids mentorhave come back to work for the ing other children who have been Marty Hennessy Foundation.” Marty through the program, is why the has created a revolving door of suc- tennis program has been successcess and manages to keep the mon- ful. Learning to give back at a young ey locally for the community. It is age not only helps the tennis prohis belief that if you should train a gram, but it also creates and instills child in sports, education and peer in children and teenagers the power relationships, they will succeed. The they have to help society grow and power of the community cannot be be positive as well. underestimated and the importance of building a strong foundation must The Marty Hennessy Foundation not be forgotten. would not be successful without the support of the community and Marty Hennessy has been able to the donations of gracious sponwork over 25 years in the tennis sors. These sponsors have helped community as a coach and a won- the children in the program travel to derful businessman. He has worked see the country and meet senators, side by side with judges, actors, mu- judges and other elected ­ officials. sicians and entertainers. He has had They have provided opportunities the pleasure of working with a va- to go to a tennis leadership acaderiety of celebrities, most notewor- my and participate in the No Quit thy is Mr. Tony Bennett, who works Tennis Academy high caliber tennis closely with the foundation to raise program. The No Quit Academy is funds to help those children that are ranked as one of the top six acadeless fortunate in the Las Vegas com- mies in the world. Additionally, they munity. Marty believes that to truly have assisted, supported, mentored be a part of your community, you and coached over 80 kids to get into have to give back. Children will nev- top colleges in the nation. er evolve to be successful adults without the nurturing, encourage- Marty decided that he should folment and support of elders that take low his gifts and as a result of livtime out of their day to help better ing his dream and passion, he has inthe future of our young people. creased tennis awareness. Moreover, he helped bridge gaps so the world It is difficult to get a child to com- could see that all cultures, races and mit to tennis and learn the routine ethnicities have the skills to become and have the needed discipline. top level tennis players. Sports | 05