Governor Stein Proclaims National Tennis Month

National Tennis Month

2026

By The Governor Of The State Of North Carolina

A Proclamation

Whereas, on May 21, 1881, the USTA, originally known as the United States National Lawn Tennis Association, was founded in New York City, New York, to create rules and standards for the emerging game of lawn tennis; and 

Whereas, the modern U.S. Tennis Association is the nonprofit, national governing body for tennis in the United States and leads the promotion and growth of the sport at every level of play from beginners to professionals at the U.S. Open; and 

Whereas, the USTA is the largest tennis organization in the world, with more than 550,000 members from every corner of the country; and 

Whereas, the USTA proudly partners with local tennis programs to showcase the important health, social, and educational benefits of tennis and make the sport available to everyone, regardless of age, environment, condition, or ability, through its USTA Adaptive grants; and 

Whereas, the latest research by the Physical Activity Council shows that more than 27.3 million Americans played tennis in 2025, an unprecedented 6.2 percent increase in participation over 2024 and the highest number of players since the PAC study began in 2007; and 

Whereas, by increasing the accessibility of tennis for North Carolinians of all ages and abilities, the USTA has contributed to making North Carolina communities happier and healthier; and 

Whereas, USTA has declared the month of May to be National Tennis Month to encourage players, organizations, facilities, retailers, tennis manufacturers, and more to promote local programs and activities at parks and facilities to showcase tennis and spread the word about the sport and its benefits and to help players and non-players alike find courts and play opportunities in their communities;

Now, Therefore, I, Josh Stein, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim May 2026 as “National Tennis Month” in North Carolina and commend its observance to all residents.

In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Great Seal of the State of North Carolina at the Capitol in Raleigh this twenty-seventh day of April in the year of our Lord two thousand and twenty-sixth and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fiftieth.