Michael Chang Tennis Classic
Chang Challenges ATP Stars Nishikori, Dent, Mamiit to End Hunger in Orange County
Courtesy of Chang Family Foundation
July 21 2014 Beeyong Sison Newport Beach, CA - Tennis legends got together and showed up with their vast array of skills during the Michael Chang Tennis Classic World Class Doubles Exhibition on Saturday at the Newport Beach Country & Tennis Club.
The highly entertaining charity tennis fest was participated by current and former world class ATP World Tour stars presented by Tustin Hyundai to help “End Hunger in Orange County”.
Ready to assist Chang with the charity event was current World No.11 and reigning Barcelona Open champion Kei Nishikori. The Asian No.1 was also joined by former ATP World No.72 and NCAA Singles champion Cecil Mamiit, and former World No.21 and U.S. Davis Cupper Taylor Dent.
Chang, Nishikori teamed against Mamiit, Dent. Photo Chang Family Foundation
Michael Chang, now 42, was the youngest male player to win a Grand Slam singles title when he won the French Open in 1989 at the age of 17 years and 4 months. He attained the highest ranking of World No.2 in 1996 and is credited for helping Nishikori break into the ATP World Tour’s elite Top Ten at No.9 this year after winning Memphis International in February, and Barcelona Open in May.
Having served as chairman of ATP Tour Charities in 1994, Chang continues to do charity work, this time helping Orange County address a need where an estimated 456,000 people are at risk of hunger every month - most of which are working families, senior citizens, and children and persons who are recovering from the economic recession, unemployment, and health disabilities.
Southeast Asian Games Multi-Gold Medalist and Philippine Davis Cupper Mamiit, down but not out for a good cause. Photo Michael Chang Tennis Classic
According to the Orange County Food Bank organization, “The vast majority of hungry people who live in Orange County, hunger is a hidden problem. It strikes individuals and families with children, as well as the elderly poor.
"Many of the people who need food assistance have full- or part-time jobs. But in a county where housing costs are among the highest in the nation, a full-time job does not guarantee that a family will be able to make ends meet. Low-income people are constantly making difficult choices among food, health care and rent; food is often the first thing to go.”
The effects of hunger on our community are pervasive and far-reaching, 42% of those experiencing hunger are children, which seriously hampers their ability to learn and grow. Among the elderly and disabled, hunger can exacerbate both long- and short-term health problems and make it difficult to recover from minor setbacks. Finally, for most adults, having access to food and good nutrition is the first crucial step in learning new skills and launching a job search."
Chang celebrating Nishikori's Memphis title win in February. Photo Ron Angle atpworldtour.com
Also according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, they estimated that more than 5 million people do not always have enough food in California. Nationally more than 38 million people are food insecure — or 12% of the population.
The USDA reports that more than one in five children in the United States are living in a food insecure household or a household where the members are unable to consistently access the adequate amount of nutritious food necessary for a healthy life. Households with children experience food insecurity at significantly higher rates than the population.
Thanks to Michael’s initiative, hopefully more events can be organized to alleviate the suffering of the less-fortunate population by the sporting communities. The American-born son of Taiwanese immigrants, Chang was one of five athletes named in the second annual "Most Caring Athlete" list by USA Today Weekend in 1995. In 1997, he was given one of seven Asian-American leadership awards by A Magazine for his status as a role model for Asian-American youth.
About Dent: Taylor keeps busy with the Dent Tennis Academy in Orange County which he runs with dad Aussie legend Phil Dent, the 1974 Australian Open finalist (l. J.Connors) and 1975 Australian Open Doubles champion (w. J.Alexander), and with wife Jenny Hopkins Dent a former WTA Tour World Ranked No.52.
About Mamiit: Cecil runs The Tennis Mechanix Academy with founder & fitness coach Joel Dacay in Burbank, CA. During his illustrious ATP tour career, Cecil compiled singles wins over World No.1 Andre Agassi, World No.2 Michael Chang among other elite pros. In 2012, Cecil helped train Maria Sharapova to capture the French Open singles title completing her career Grand Slam.
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