The recent passing of local tennis legend, Dick Bottinelli, has led to his family organizing the very first Dick Bottinelli Memorial Family Doubles Tournament. This event aims to raise funds for the Dick Bottinelli Memorial Foundation, which will support Mesa County Tennis and its programs for junior tennis players.
Bottinelli was a devoted tennis enthusiast and a prominent figure in the Grand Valley known for his efforts to promote tennis within the community. Even in his 90s, he participated in local and national tennis tournaments, leaving an indelible mark on the sport in the region.
In remembrance of Bottinelli’s enduring legacy, his family has initiated the inaugural Dick Bottinelli Memorial Family Doubles Tournament, scheduled to take place from May 17–19 at the Elliott Tennis Center at Colorado Mesa University. This initiative seeks to honour his contribution to the world of tennis by supporting junior players through fundraising efforts.
Carolyn Jackson, one of Bottinelli’s three children, expressed her desire to give back to the tennis community that had been so supportive of her family. Through the establishment of the tournament and foundation, Jackson and her family aim to perpetuate Bottinelli’s passion for the sport and his commitment to nurturing young tennis talent.
The tournament will not only serve as a fitting tribute to Bottinelli, but also contribute to the advancement of Mesa County Tennis, an organization that has been pivotal in providing opportunities for local children and teenagers to engage in the sport.
The community is invited to attend the tournament, where they will have the chance to engage with members of the Bottinelli family, who will be present to participate, volunteer, or simply support the event. While the registration deadline for the tournament has passed, individuals can still make donations to the foundation through mesacountytennis.com/pages/donate-bottinelli.
The keen anticipation surrounding the tournament is emblematic of the enduring impact of Dick Bottinelli and his unwavering dedication to the sport of tennis. His family’s commitment to preserving his legacy through this charitable initiative underscores the profound influence he had on the community and the enduring value of his contributions.
The event serves as a testament to Bottinelli’s belief in the holistic benefits of tennis, which he often spoke about, emphasising its impact on mental alertness, physical fitness, and the social connectivity it fosters. His fervour for the sport was a reflection of the joy and fulfillment he derived from it, and this tournament provides an avenue to perpetuate that very sentiment.
In honour of Bottinelli’s profound legacy, the inaugural Dick Bottinelli Memorial Family Doubles Tournament stands as a remarkable testament to his lifelong commitment to tennis and his enduring influence on the community. Through this event, his family and the broader tennis community seek to immortalize his profound impact on the sport while supporting the development of budding players.