National

Stan Smith surprises L.A. youth to celebrate 'Who Is Stan Smith?' film premiere

Arthur Kapetanakis | May 06, 2024

The USTA Foundation joined with tennis and cultural icon Stan Smith on Friday for a surprise visit to the Boys & Girls Club of Metro Los Angeles (BGCMLA) to celebrate the L.A. premiere of UNINTERRUPTED’s documentary "Who Is Stan Smith?". A portion of the film’s proceeds will benefit the USTA Foundation's flagship National Junior Tennis & Learning (NJTL) network.

 

BGCMLA is one of more than 250 NJTL chapters nationwide. The NJTL network, created in 1969 by tennis legends Arthur Ashe and Charlie Pasarell, along with Sheridan Snyder, provides more than 150,000 under-resourced youth access to free or low-cost tennis and academic programming.

“The sport of tennis has given so much to me in my life, and I’m excited that this film will help future generations both on and off the court,” said Smith, a two-time major singles champion and former world No. 1.

 

“The NJTL network was co-founded by my dear friends Arthur Ashe and Charlie Pasarell, and I’m proud that my story will help support their legacies and the USTA Foundation in this way.”

 

The USTA Foundation also presented BGCMLA with a grant to resurface tennis courts at its Challengers Club in South L.A.

 

Smith was in town for the theatrical release of a documentary about his life, which is set to run in more than 50 markets nationwide. 

 

“Stan is a person who has transcended the boundaries of the tennis court to become a global icon,” said Ginny Ehrlich, CEO of the USTA Foundation.

"He is a shining example of the excellence, resilience, and determination that we aim to instill in the thousands of young people who participate in NJTL programs nationwide, and we are honored to be the documentary’s official beneficiary."

 

"Who Is Stan Smith?" showcases the journey of the International Tennis Hall of Famer, sneaker icon and humanitarian. The film tells the story of the groundbreaking athlete who went from being one of the world’s greatest tennis stars to a leading civil rights and AIDS activist, blazing a trail along the way with his namesake Adidas sneakers—the iconic shoe that has become a fashion statement for hip-hop musicians and celebrities for more than 50 years.

 

The film features extensive interviews with Stan Smith, his family and many of the world’s most famous athletes and celebrities, including John McEnroe, Darryl “DMC” McDaniels, and Donald Dell. (Watch the trailer here.)

 

Produced by UNINTERRUPTED, the award-winning athlete storytelling brand within The SpringHill Company (TSHC), founded by LeBron James and Maverick Carter, and in association with CALICO, "Who Is Stan Smith?" is directed by Emmy-winning filmmaker Danny Lee and distributed by Monkey Wrench Films—the independent film distribution company helmed by filmmaker Tom Putnam and Henry C. Lystad.

 

Read More: In theaters, 'Who Is Stan Smith' tells the story of the man behind the shoe

PROGRAMS NEAR YOU

Skip Advertisement

Advertisement

Related Articles

  • Visit the Stan Smith surprises youth page
    Stan Smith surprises youth
    May 06, 2024
    The USTA Foundation joined with tennis and cultural icon Stan Smith to surprise L.A. youth ahead of theatrical release of "Who Is Stan Smith?" documentary. Read More
  • Visit the TVS helping Boulder plan page
    TVS helping Boulder plan
    May 03, 2024
    In Boulder, Colo., partnerships with USTA Tennis Venue Services and advocacy are keys to the city’s long-term tennis court strategy. Read More
  • Visit the 2024 NJTL of the Year page
    2024 NJTL of the Year
    April 17, 2024
    For 25 years, JTCC has helped grow the sport of tennis by providing a comprehensive tennis pathway for players of all abilities that emphasizes excellence on the tennis court, in the classroom, and in the community. Read More