VIDEO: Winners of the Arthur Ashe Kids Day 2012 Essay and Art Contest

The Arthur Ashe Essay and Art Contest celebrates the writing and artistic skills of young people connected to the National Junior Tennis Learning (NJTL) network founded by Arthur Ashe.

The Arthur Ashe Essay and Art Contest celebrates the writing and artistic skills of young people connected to the National Junior Tennis Learning (NJTL) network founded by Arthur Ashe.

New York City Mayor David Dinkins was on hand to help celebrate the winners of the Arthur Ashe Essay and Art Contest. The winners learned a great deal about Arthur Ashe and were genuinely honored to receive their awards.

Overall, Arthur Ashe Kids Day 2012 offered something for everyone. There were opportunities to watch tennis pros practice; attend concerts with pop and R&B stars such as Carly Rae Jepsen and Mindless Behavior; and tennis clinics for the little ones.

Arthur Ashe was born on July 10, 1943 in Richmond, Virginia and is remembered for his excellence as a tennis player as well as his efforts to further social causes. He remains the only African American player ever to win the men’s singles title at Wimbledon, the Australian Open or the US Open. His legacy continues to have a positive effect on our society.