A CEREMONIAL RESOLUTION
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IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
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To recognize and honor the Washington Kastles and its owner Mark Ein who represent as representatives of the District of Columbia’s finest living monument to professionalism, team work, caring and community service.
WHEREAS, the Washington Kastles and owner Mark Ein built Kastles Stadium at CityCenterDC, one of the most unique tennis venues ever constructed in the heart of the Washington, D.C., drawing fans from all sections of the City and the region for seven nights of great summer entertainment;
WHEREAS, Mark Ein, a long-time Washington, D.C. resident and business owner had the vision to create the Washington Kastles franchise and Kastles Stadium in the center of the city as well as the energy and the skills to bring it to reality in a first class manner so that so many local citizens could benefit. The Kastles demonstrate his deep commitment to the City, its community and numerous local charities over a long period of time.
WHEREAS, these 7 matches were held between July 8th and July 23rd, 2008 where players competing included US Open Champion and World #1 Serena Willams, John McEnroe, Anna Kournikova and US Olympian Robbie Ginepri;
WHEREAS, the Washington Kastles successfully kicked off the Washington Kastles franchise of WorldTeamTennis, a league founded 35 years ago by Billie Jean King that is the only professional sports league in which men and women play together on the same team. The league showcases the highest levels of professional tennis in a competitive team format and a fan-friendly entertaining atmosphere;
WHEREAS, through the Kastles Community Initiative, Mark Ein and the franchise provided a total of more than $110,000 in cash and donated goods including tickets, rackets and merchandise to local charities, youth groups and children. Among the many beneficiaries were The Boys and Girls Clubs, The Southeast Tennis and Learning Center, DC Public Schools, DC CAP, Big Brothers Big Sisters and Washington Tennis and Education Foundation;
WHEREAS, two nationally televised matches at Kastles Stadium on Tennis Channel showcased Downtown Washington, D.C. to an international audience and led to a 30 minute travel show featuring Washington, D.C. shown on regular rotation.
WHEREAS, the stands were filled with three complete sell-outs and total attendance of 94% of capacity throughout the season:
WHEREAS, the Washington Kastles hosted six tennis clinics for over 300 area youths featuring Serena Williams, Tracy Austin, Anna Kournikova, as well as Kastles Head Coach Thomas Blake, the Kastles players and Kastles Ambassadors;
WHEREAS, the Washington Kastles hosted the Homeless USA World Cup at Kastles Stadium featuring 100 athletes from 8 cities competing to represent the USA at the Homeless World Cup in Melbourne, Australia. Thousands of spectators attended the matches over the June 27-29, 2008 weekend;
RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, That this resolution may be cited as the “Washington Kastles and Mark Ein Recognition Resolution of 2008″.
Sec. 2. The Council of the District of Columbia salutes the Washington Kastles and Mark Ein for their dedication, passion and persevering spirit in advancing sporting excellence in Washington, D.C., and elevating our city to prominence in professional tennis.
Sec. 3. The Council of the District of Columbia declares October 7, 2008 as “Washington Kastles and Mark Ein Day” in the District of Columbia.
Sec. 4. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon the first date of publication in the District of Columbia Register.