King Richard Visits DC

Kids at the Southeast Tennis and Learning Center get an exclusive film premier.

A few weeks before the release of King Richard we partnered with Warner Bros. Pictures to give a very special group of kids in Washington, DC an exclusive event and preview of the film. Telling the true story of tennis legends Venus and Serena Williams, the movie shows the determination and love that their father had for them and their undeniable tennis destinies.

The Demo Event

The sun shone brightly on the outdoor courts of Washington DC’s Southeast Tennis and Learning Center on Friday, November 5 where more than 40 local kids gathered, excited to play some tennis. Red and white Wilson flags flapped in the wind as the kids chose from a lineup of Wilson performance tennis rackets to test out at this special demo event, hosted by the heritage tennis brand. Shoes laced and rackets in hand, dozens of young tennis stars in the making divided up on courts based on age and skill level, and a rotation of Wilson coaches took turns working with each court.

Forehands, backhands, serves and volleys. Balls flew over nets as that satisfying crack of balls off fresh strings echoed across the tennis center, blending effortlessly with youthful laughter, squeaking tennis shoes and, of course, a few tennis grunts. The kids were all smiles as they broke a sweat, working hard to perfect skills and improve their game. After a fun-filled 90-minute hit, the athletes gathered for snacks and refreshments where each was given a new tennis racket, tennis backpack and set of dampeners.

The Red Carpet Event

Later that evening many of those very same aspiring tennis stars, along with several additional area kids, returned to the Southeast Tennis and Learning Center. Dressed up and red carpet ready, all were excited to be among the first to experience a screening of King Richard. The film, which stars Will Smith as Richard Williams, tells the incredible story of his daughters Venus and Serena, the plan he had for their tennis careers and their rise to greatness.

Wanting to really mark the occasion and make it unforgettable, Wilson created a whole red carpet VIP experience for their special guests, complete with multiple photobooths, decorations, food and, of course, a long red carpet that led the young moviegoers to the main event. Front row seats, popcorn and a selection of favorite movie candy rounded out the event.

Attendees were welcomed by Isha Price, sister of Venus and Serena, and executive producer of the film, as well as their niece, Justus Bobbitt, site manager of the Southeast Tennis and Learning Center. The two spoke about the Tennis Center, the events of the day and, of course, the film. Excitement grew as the lights went down and the Warner Brothers logo filled the enormous screen that had been erected specially for this occasion. At that point, all in attendance simultaneously lost themselves in the incredible true story that unfolded before their eyes.

Move and tennis fans alike were delighted by the film, but perhaps no one more so than the young tennis players who, just that morning, participated in the Wilson demo event. Energized and inspired, the reactions from these future tennis greats were pure and touching. Every so often a film comes along that has the power to not only bring joy to audiences but to truly inspire them to take action. In this case, every single aspiring tennis player was inspired to not only pick up a racket and start hitting, but to create their own plan for greatness and get after it.