The United States Professional Tennis Association, Inc. (USPTA) is proud to present the 2023 USPTA Bob Ryland Diversity Award to Jim Amick from New Philadelphia, Ohio (Midwest Division).
As the United States Tennis Association Midwest Diversity, Equity and Inclusion lead, Jim planned, organized and implemented DE&I initiatives throughout 2022 that demonstrated his ability to unite diverse populations through tennis. Last year, these initiatives had an impact on nearly 10,000 players that included people of different races, ethnicities, socio-economic backgrounds, genders and sexual orientations. Some of the ways USTA Midwest engaged these groups included a two-day diversity summit, Pride Night at the Western and Southern Open, diverse staffing support and program grants, meet-up events and Play Tennis Midwest, an initiative where 97 events were held to engage new adult and junior players that focused on diverse participants.
“Jim has been growing the game for all communities for decades,” USPTA CEO John Embree said. “It is only fitting that the USPTA bestows the Bob Ryland Diversity Award on him this year for the tremendous effort he has produced to make tennis more accessible to players across the entire spectrum.”