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A RESOLUTION
19-324
IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
November 1, 2012
To recognize and honor the Washington Kastles and its owner Mark Ein, who represent the District of Columbia’s finest living monument to professionalism, team work, caring, and community service, and to declare October 22, 2012 as “Washington Kastles Day” in the District of Columbia.
WHEREAS, this past summer, the Washington Kastles and owner Mark Ein attracted more than 15,000 fans from all sections of the city to one of the most unique sports venues ever constructed in Washington, D.C.;
WHEREAS, Mark Ein, a long-time Washington, D.C. resident and business owner, had
the vision to create the Washington Kastles franchise and Kastles Stadium in the center of the city as well as the energy and the skills to bring it to reality in a first-class manner so that so many local citizens could benefit;
WHEREAS, the Kastles demonstrate Mark’s deep commitment to the city, its community, and numerous local charities over a long period of time;
WHEREAS, seven home matches were held between July 12th and July 24th, 2012,and players competing included 4-time Olympic gold medalist Venus Williams, 13-time Grand Slam doubles champion Leander Paes, former World No. 1 Martina Hingis, and Australian Olympian Anastasia Rodionova;
WHEREAS, the Washington Kastles captured their third World Team Tennis championship in 4 years, and in doing so, completed their second straight 16-0 season, extending their winning streak to 32 matches, the second-longest winning streak in major U.S. pro sports history, only one victory shy of the 33-game unbeaten run of the 1971-72 Los Angeles Lakers;
WHEREAS, through Kastle Community outreach efforts since the team’s inaugural 2008 season, Mark Ein and the franchise have provided a total of nearly $800,000 in cash and donated goods, including tickets, racquets, and merchandise to local charities, youth groups, and children;
WHEREAS, among the many beneficiaries are The Boys and Girls Clubs, The Southeast Tennis and Learning Center, District of Columbia Public Schools, DC CAP, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and Washington Tennis and Education Foundation;
WHEREAS, two televised matches at Kastles Stadium at The Wharf and 3 more available via live streaming online showcased Washington, D.C. to an international audience; and
WHEREAS, while tennis fans around the world watched the Kastles from the comfort of their homes, notables who enjoyed the action in person included First Lady Michelle Obama, her daughters Sasha and Malia, and Washington, D.C. Mayor Vincent Gray.
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, That this resolution may be cited as the “Washington Kastles Recognition Resolution of 2012".
Sec. 2. The Council of the District of Columbia salutes the Washington Kastles and Mark Ein for their dedication, passion, and persevering spirit in advancing sporting excellence in Washington, D.C., and elevating our city to prominence in professional tennis.
Sec. 3. The Council of the District of Columbia declares October 22, 2012 as “Washington Kastles Day” in the District of Columbia.
Sec. 4. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon the first date of publication in the District of Columbia Register.
