Venus Williams' stop in Atlanta couldn't end before showing love to the kids.
The tennis star was determined to go by the South Fulton Tennis Center where the community is currently searching for funding for new courts. The students welcomed the unexpected passerby who attended the BB&T Atlanta Open. Venus admitted to Channel 2 News that Atlanta isn't a place she gets to pop by often, but when the opportunity comes, she does as much as she can. What's a better opportunity than supporting children?
"I love to be out here with the kids and the kids enjoy it too. It keeps me motiviated Hopefully we see some future stars come out of this."
Camper Ranan Givhan described it as, "the best thing ever."
District 3 Councilwoman Helen Willis opened up about hopes of Venus' influence rubbing off enough to raise $600,000 to renovate 24 tennis courts. Right now, the $300,000 grant they received from the U.S. Tennis Association is how they're operating day-to-day.
"It only solidifies that this is a facility that is up and coming and has the attention of many."
That would bring a great deal of hope for kids like Ranan, who hopes to get a tennis scholarship in order to earn a college degree.
Photo: WSBT-TV