Roddick to headline Wichita event

For months now, Genesis Health Clubs owner Rodney Steven has been excited about the prospect. Andy Roddick, one of the most successful and recognizable tennis players in the world, would participate in a charity exhibition in Wichita.

Asked whether Genesis could help run and sponsor the event to be held at Koch Arena, Steven never hesitated.

“It’s very rare we get an opportunity like this in Wichita,” he said.

The opportunity became even more enticing for Genesis. Koch Arena’s floor was not long enough. The space at Century II’s Exhibition Hall would not work, either.

So this week, Genesis will announce Roddick and several other prominent tennis personalities will star in “Champions for Charity” Nov. 25 at Genesis’ location at 1551 N. Rock Road. Temporary stands in the tennis complex are expected to seat at least 3,000.

The event will start with a kids’ clinic and skills contests at noon. A dinner and auction will begin at 5, followed at 6 by an autograph session. The three exhibition matches, two of them doubles, start at 7.

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