Senior tennis players from around the state will compete in the Alabama Tennis Association’s (ATA) Alabama State Invitational 65 and Over Combo Doubles and 55 and Over Mixed Doubles division championships delivered by Spectrum Resorts. ATA is a district of the United States Tennis Association’s (USTA) Southern Section. The event will take place from April 18 to 21 with matches set to begin at 8 a.m. each day. The public is encouraged to attend, as more than 260 of Alabama’s finest tennis players ace their way to victory.

“The public is invited to come out and enjoy a fun weekend of tennis matchups among some of the best players in the state in their respective divisions,” said Beth Gendler, vice president of sales for GSOBSC. “USTA is a fabulous organization known for promoting and developing tennis as a top-notch sport, and we along with the City of Gulf Shores and Spectrum Resorts are proud to host this exciting championship.”

For the 2013 season, ATA added two new age divisions.

“Tennis is the sport of a lifetime, so we wanted to offer those in the 55 and over and 65 and over age groups the opportunity to still compete at the state level,” said Christine Slaughter, local tournament chairperson. “Through their sponsorship, Spectrum Resorts has enabled us to give these players the benefits that come with any other state tournament.”

The Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Sports Commission (GSOBSC) along with the City of Gulf Shores will host this first-time event with The Beach Club serving as the tournament headquarters. In addition to The Beach Club, other sites for the championships include Peninsula Golf & Racquet Club, the Gulf Coast Tennis Club and Johnnie Sims and George Meyer Parks. The winning mixed doubles team will advance to the sectional championships hosted by USTA Arkansas from Oct. 25 to 27, 2013.

“The Sports Commission is a tremendous asset to Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism and the best outlet for information on area sporting events, sponsorships and promotions,” said Veronica Petkov, public relations specialist for Spectrum Resorts. “Michelle Russ [sales manager for GSOBSC] and her team should be applauded for playing a significant role in bringing world-class sporting events to the area.”

As a first year event, Petkov says that the significance of the championships is to highlight tourism, develop economic growth and to provide players with top-rated facilities along with Southern hospitality.