Gallagher Way hosts free tennis event before Wimbledon kicks off

CHICAGO (WLS) -- People of all ages took to the courts at Gallagher Way to play tennis as a part of a free community event on Sunday.

It was a family affair for 10-year-old Mara Bowman and her cousins as they took to the court.

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"It's a really fun sport, and you can really achieve your goals," Bowman said.

It is the fourth year of the Wimbledon in Chicago event.

"We live nearby, because we love tennis because we have small kids to entertain, and because it's a beautiful day at Wrigley Field," said event-goer Monir Hachem.

"It helps me make new friends like when you're training. You might see other people and nearby tennis court, and you can say, like, 'Hi,'" said Hugo Hachem.

The open-style activity was in the shadow of Wrigley Field a day before the storied tournament takes place in London. David Bowman, 8, doesn't have a prediction about who will win all, but just loves the sport.

"You got to get to work as a team to achieve yourself," he said.

It happened in partnership with the United States Tennis Association Midwest Chicago. The effort hoped to break down the common misconceptions about tennis while encouraging people to be active and connect with others.

"We just want to introduce tennis to everyone. It's a great sport. We want to make it really accessible, and this is a free event to come out and give it a try," said United States Tennis Association Midwest Chicago Executive Director Jill Siegel.

The event not only featured mini tennis games and other activities along with food, but also a trivia contest. Prizes were awarded to the top teams, and there was even a chance to win a trip to the Cincinnati Open tennis tournament.

Organizers say they hope events like this one will get people interested in the sport of tennis but also get neighbors to get involved in their communities.