Despite the threat of rain on the horizon, more than 80 golfers were able to play through at the Mardy Fish Children’s Foundation Charity Golf Tournament at Windsor Golf Club last Monday morning. Balls sailed over the fairways to help the foundation carry forth its mission to provide local children with opportunities to participate in fitness, nutritional and enrichment programs, encouraging them to live healthy and productive lives.

The tournament was followed by a luncheon and awards presentation on the clubhouse patio overlooking the first tee.

In addition to former top 10 tennis player Mardy Fish, foursomes were seeded with a virtual who’s who of professional athletes. Among the players teeing up for the MFCF were former Los Angeles Dodger pitcher Rick Rhoden, former Boston Red Sox pitcher Tim Wakefield, French Open finalist Mikael Pernfors and former professional tennis player Thomas Blake.

“We’ve raised a lot of money to help a lot of kids in this community learn about fitness and health,” shared Mardy’s father, MFCF chairman. “We’ve got a lot of need in this area and we’re really making progress.”

Joe Pappalardo, MFCF board member, added, “We are identifying and funding agencies and programs in our community that have existing programs that encourage physical activity and healthy nutritional education as part of a child’s daily routine.”

The Mardy Fish Kids on Court Tennis Program at Grand Harbor utilizes the talents of world-class teaching professional Marco Osorio, along with a trainer and nutritionist, according to Pappalardo.

“Children need less time on their screens and more time in motion. The key for us, as well as the entire country, lies in addressing physical inactivity and obesity early. Studies show overweight children are five times more likely to become obese adults,” explained Pappalardo. “Yet healthy lifestyle habits, including physical activity and healthy eating, have been shown to reduce the risk for obesity-related diseases. That is where the MFCF comes in. Our 6 Healthy Habits are making a difference, both lasting and meaningful, in our kids’ lives.”

“We couldn’t do it without everyone here. It’s a great thing to be able to give back where I grew up,” said Mardy Fish.

He noted that while growing up in Vero Beach he had played in what is now the Mardy Fish Children’s Foundation Tennis Championships, one of the longest running events on the U.S. Tennis Association Pro Circuit.

“It’s really fun to have that under our wing,” he added. “That helps a lot; it just helps to have people learn about the foundation throughout the tournament.”

The 2018 MFCF Tennis Championships will be played April 20-29 at the Grand Harbor Golf & Beach Club. For tickets visit verobeachtennistickets.com.