Burd Tennis Inc. is dedicated to engaging underprivileged youths in various communities in Miami. Burd Tennis, Inc. seeks to benefit communities and activities by improving the attitudes and activities of youths in the areas of physical fitness, physical education, and literacy. Burd Tennis, Inc. seeks to decrease obesity while increasing fitness awareness, social skills, and literacy in the Greater Miami Area.

The Facts

• In 2012, Florida ranked 35th in the nation for childhood obesity with 33.1% of children ages 10-17 being overweight or obese—that is higher than the national percentage which is 30.6%.*
• Florida is ranked 28th for healthy neighborhood environments and 27th for protective factors against childhood obesity.*
• Obesity among low-income, preschool-aged children in Florida has risen 3% in the past 10 years.*
• In the near future, Florida will spend 25.8 million dollars annually on healthcare costs attributed to obesity*

*All research and data gathered was conducted by The Florida Commission on the Status of Women and approved by The Office of the Attorney General of the Capitol of Tallahassee, FL.

According to the USTA SERVES SPECIAL REPORT

• Adolescent tennis players are well-rounded. Participation rates within extracurricular activities and community involvement were higher among adolescent tennis players. Indeed, 82% volunteer in their communities.
• Tennis players had significantly lower rates of suspension from school and other disciplinary measures than participants in other sports and non-athletes. In fact, 73% have never been sent to the principal’s office.
• Educational advantages among tennis players occurred across all socioeconomic levels.

Tennis players reported lower rates of unhealthy behavior such as drinking and smoking, and are less likely to be overweight or become obese.