Charlie Cutler is hoping to bring a different kind of attention to Arizona’s southern border. The Border Youth Tennis Experience in Nogales, Arizona is a program designed to use tennis and education to learn and share across the border. “Tennis is a hook to get kids involved, says Cutler.”
A former professional tennis player, Cutler went back to school to get his masters in international human rights focusing on border policy. And create a program designed for low income and minority families.
“The model was designed in the early 70's by Arthur Ashe,” says Cutler. The education portion utilizes tablets donated to the program to encourage communication across the border to Nogales, Sonora.
Living in such a sensitive political climate these days, Charlie believes the youth tennis experience is an opportunity for those to see what really goes on in border communities. “This type of program is exactly what we need these days,” says Cutler.
“Our goal with the program is both to inspire and connect communities across the border,” says Cutler. But also just to make sure that in this ultra-partisan climate that the voice of the community aren't lost.”
Clearly evident the kids enjoy playing tennis, Cutler hopes building new tennis courts will expand the programs reach. “My vision is to hopefully use that as a platform to bring some positive media and attention to the border region and to Nogales, Sonora.”
