Wilmington's Smash Cancer tennis tournament receives national recognition
Jamey Cross
A local tennis tournament committed to giving back has garnered national attention.
Chris Tatum, president of the Greater Wilmington Tennis Association, organized the Smash Cancer tournament nearly 15 years ago as a way to give back to the community and raise awareness about head and neck cancer.
It's a cause that hits close to home: Tatum’s parents both died from head and neck cancer.
“It’s one of the cancers that is really curable if treated early,” Tatum said. “If it’s diagnosed early, it’s very much treatable.”
This year, the tournament was honored with two awards from the United States Tennis Association: North Carolina Tournament of the Year and the Southern Section Adult Tournament of the Year.
Tatum said the tournament is a community affair with local restaurants and businesses sponsoring the event and donating food for participants. Islands Fresh Mex Grill, Buffalo Wild Wings, Empire Deli & Bagel and Brooklyn Pizza are some businesses that have been sponsoring the tournament since its inaugural year.
In its first year, Tatum said, around 75 players participated. Last year, around 300 players participated. Tatum said it’s rewarding to see the community come together to support the cause.
Pre-COVID, Tatum said, free screenings were offered at the tournament, an offering she hopes will return this year.
In 14 years, the tournament has raised over $100,000 for the Head and Neck Cancer Alliance, every penny of which has been used directly for patient needs. Tatum said the funds are used largely to ensure patients have access to transportation to and from appointments.
This isn’t the first time the event has been recognized by the USTA – a few years ago, it was named the North Carolina Charity Event of the Year.
“It’s phenomenal,” Tatum said. “It makes me really happy to know that people appreciate what we’re doing and are participating and helping the patients in our communities. That’s what it’s all about.”
The organization will be recognized at the USTA Southern Annual Meeting in January. The 15th annual Smash Cancer tournament is scheduled for May 17-19, 2024, at Empie Park in Wilmington.
Reach reporter Jamey Cross at jbcross@gannett.com.