Vero Beach, FL (February 24, 2021) … After weeks of local pros vying to be named King of the Hill, Razvan Ilie became the 2021 King of the Hill Open Division, and the 26th winner of the event which began in 1996. The final match, the Open Division exhibition, was played at The Boulevard in Vero Beach.
“It was one of the best, most exciting events we have had in years,” said Gigi Casapu, Tournament Organizer and Director. “Each set was very close, and the last two sets were decided by a tiebreak. At the end of three close rounds, Razvan Ilie and James Van Deinse finished with the same number of points, and the winner was decided in an extended play-off. Winning two out of three 9 points tiebreakers, Razvan Ilie won the title of King of the Hill.”
The King of the Hill Tennis Tournament is one of Youth Guidance’s biggest fundraisers. This year’s King of the Hill Tennis Tournament was played at The Boulevard in a short format, due to the pandemic. Only sponsors and their guests attended this year, due to social distancing guidelines. The matches were very exciting and highly competitive. Mikael Pernfors from the Boulevard won the 40’s Division. Henner Lenhardt from Sea Oaks won the 50’s Division for the sixth time. Razvan Ilie won the Open Division Finals and was crowned King of the Hill.
“Each year, our King of The Hill Tennis Tournament raises funds for Youth Guidance mentoring programs and activities for children from low-income families in Indian River County,” said Executive Director, Phil Barnes. “We serve approximately 250 children, who without the support of this fundraiser would not have access to the free resources that our agency provides.”
Youth Guidance Mentoring Academy is open all day, providing a safe place where students receive three meals and participate in one-on-one and group mentoring programs. The Children complete virtual school from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. with state-of-the-art technology and caring tutors. From 3:30 to 7:30 p.m., they engage in group mentoring programs, including STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math), life skills, recreational activities, and vocational training. All programs and meals are free for families.
Youth Guidance Mentoring Academy is dedicated to enriching the lives of Indian River County youth through mentoring relationships that inspire trust, self-esteem, and positive futures. Founded in 1973, Youth Guidance serves children ages 5-18 from low-income families. If you are interested in learning more about Youth Guidance, please call 772.492.3933, or visit our website at www.youthguidanceprogram.org.