Israel Tennis Center named in honor of Larry Greenspon

In 2001, Larry Greenspon was introduced to the Israel Tennis Centers after competing in the Maccabiah Games.

Through meeting the children whose lives were transformed through the ITC Foundation’s tennis, fitness and educational programs, Greenspon became a dedicated supporter.

Since then, he has chaired 15 years of ITC exhibitions in Sarasota and Longboat Key. And now, ITC is recognizing his dedication in a big way.

On Oct. 23, the Israel Tennis Centers Foundation named Israel’s premiere tennis center in Ramat Hasharon in honor of Larry and Mary Greenspon.

“Well, it’s quite an honor, just knowing the history of the tennis centers,” Greenspon said.

Greenspon has been a long-time member of the ITC Foundation board in the United States, the international board and is a past international chair of the organization.

A statement from ITC said Greenspon’s “passion for tennis, Israel and children knows no bounds.” The ITC-Ramat Hasharon includes the Greenspon Clay Court in honor of Greenspon’s parents, the Greenspon Restaurant Pavilion and the Greenspon Entranceway.

With his most recent donation, the center will be dedicated in his, and his fiancee Mary’s honor, the statement said.

The ITC Foundation is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization that uses “the medium of sport to enhance the development of Israeli youth,” the statement said.

Since the first tennis center opened in 1976, ITC has helped more than half a million children. Now, the foundation has 14 centers stretching from Kiryat Shmona on the Lebanese border to Beer Sheva.

Greenspon credits where the ITC Foundation is today to its founders’ mission.

“Without them and their vision, the game wouldn’t be where it’s at today in Israel,” Greenspon said.