Buffalo PAL Celebrates Youth Achievement and Honors Local Legacies at Love to Serve Tennis Camp Finale
Buffalo, N.Y – The Police Athletic League of Buffalo (Buffalo PAL) hosted a special awards ceremony today to celebrate the conclusion of its Love to Serve summer tennis camp and honor the legacies of two beloved community members, the late Natalie Lewis, a former Buffalo PAL tennis coach, and the late Earl Thomkins, former director of the tennis program.
The ceremony took place this morning at the Hennepin Park Tennis Courts, where Buffalo PAL Executive Director Nekia Kemp, Trish and Evan Lewis (parents of Natalie Lewis), Vice President of Community Affairs at Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Michael Ball, and City of Buffalo Deputy Commissioner of Community Services and Recreational Planning Nicole Drye recognized the dedication and achievements of the program’s young participants.
Youth played tennis and received award medals to commemorate the program’s completion. Afterwards, they enjoyed food and received gifts provided by Highmark BCBS.
“Love to Serve is about more than tennis — it builds character, confidence, and opportunity for Buffalo’s youth,” said Mayor Christopher P. Scanlon. “I want to thank Buffalo PAL, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Western New York, the USTA, and the Lewis and Thomkins families for keeping this legacy alive and inspiring the next generation.”
For six weeks, youth ages 8 to 18 attended camp at either Delaware Park McMillan Courts or Hennepin Park Tennis Courts to learn the fundamentals of tennis under the guidance of USTA-certified coaches. Participating youth acquired athletic and enhanced social skills throughout the camp. The program promoted physical agility while equipping young people with healthy habits that can last a lifetime.
“The Love to Serve program teaches youth about shaping character, instilling discipline, and the power of perseverance,” said Nekia Kemp, executive director of Buffalo PAL. “Through this program, youth gain skills on the tennis courts and the confidence to envision themselves as leaders in life. We honor the lasting legacy of the late Natalie Lewis, a former PAL tennis coach, and the late Earl Thomkins, former director of the PAL tennis program, whose dedication and passion helped shape the foundation of this initiative. We are profoundly grateful to Mayor Christopher Scanlon and the City of Buffalo, the Buffalo Police Department, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, and the USTA for their steadfast partnership and investment in the future of Buffalo’s young people.”
According to the USTA, youth who play tennis are less likely to engage in risky behaviors such as smoking and drinking and tend to have higher self-esteem. The sport has also seen a surge in diversity and participation in recent years. The 2025 U.S. Tennis Participation Report shows players under 35 drove nearly two-thirds of tennis’s growth in 2024 (+1.2 million players), with those under 25 making up 45% of total gains. Notably, Black participation increased by 26% in 2024, adding 662,000 new players nationwide, reflecting the success of community accessibility initiatives like Love to Serve.
“Highmark is deeply committed to building a healthier future for the communities we serve. Our continued partnership with the City of Buffalo and the Buffalo PAL on many youth programs, including the Love to Serve Tennis Camp, is a powerful example of this commitment,” said Michael Ball, vice president, community affairs, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield. “Today, as we celebrate the 2025 Love to Serve graduates, we also remember Natalie Lewis, a former intern of ours whose legacy lives on through this program.”
“We are incredibly proud to support the Buffalo PAL’s Love to Serve tennis camp,” said USTA Eastern Executive Director and CEO Jenny Schnitzer. “It is our great pleasure to champion community programs that introduce kids to a healthy, fun activity they can enjoy over the course of their entire lives. We look forward to seeing the Love to Serve campers on the courts for many years to come!”