BJK to meet Obama

Sports icon and social justice pioneer Billie Jean King, a part owner of the Newport Beach Breakers, is one of 16 people President Barack Obama is awarding the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor.

Recognized for her efforts and accomplishments on and off the tennis court, the 65-year-old King will join the likes of Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, retired Archbishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa and entertainers Sidney Poitier and Chita Rivera in a ceremony scheduled for Aug. 12 at the White House.

“I am honored and humbled to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom and I share this recognition with my family, friends and those who have come before me, those who will follow and those who are committed to making a difference in the lives of others,” King said.

King became of one America’s first openly gay major sports figures in 1981, when she revealed her sexual orientation.

King co-founded World Team Tennis, a groundbreaking co-ed professional tennis league in 1974. She won 39 Grand Slam titles, playing singles, doubles and mixed doubles.

This summer, Newport Beach advanced to the WTT playoffs after placing second in the Western Conference.

TENNIS CLUB TAKES OVER

The Balboa Bay Racquet Club, located at 1602 E. Coast Highway in Newport Beach, adjoining the Newport Beach Country Club, one of the largest and most prestigious tennis clubs in Southern California was acquired July 1, by license, by the Ramsey Tennis Group. Under the new ownership it will be called The Tennis Club.

Paul Ramsey, president of RTG, is principal owner and founder of the Toluca Lake Tennis Club, which has been recognized as one of the most successful tennis clubs in the nation for the past 40 years. Ramsey, who is now a resident of Newport Beach, is chairman of the board of directors of the Newport Beach Yacht Club.

Robert Ogle, head pro/manager and Glenda Winterbotham, assistant manager/pro shop manager, both who have been with BBRC for over 35 years, will remain working in that capacity for The Tennis Club.

— From staff reports