Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, May 10, 1990                   TAG: 9005090313
SECTION: CURRENT                    PAGE: NRV-11   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: CHRIS BACHELDER SPECIAL TO THE ROANOKE TIMES & WORLD-NEWS
DATELINE: RADFORD                                LENGTH: Medium

CHARITY AND TENNIS, ANYONE?

The insurance agency of John Beamer and Tony Mullins - which represents, among other insurance companies, Mutual of New York - is sponsoring a MONY Special Olympics Benefit Tournament the weekend of May 18-20.

The tournament, in planning since the winter, will feature two divisions - open and junior veteran (35 and over) - in both men's and women's competition, and there will be a consolation round for first round losers.

All matches will be played at Radford University's Dedmon Center courts.

The entry fee is $20 and the deadline for entry is Tuesday.

All proceeds go directly to the Area Nine (New River Valley and the surrounding counties) Special Olympics.

In addition, Beamer and Mullins are trying to promote tennis in the area and hope their pet project becomes an annual event on par with some of the larger tournaments played in areas such as Roanoke.

"We wanted to do something for tennis and for charity," Mullins said. "It's a way to promote tennis and help our favorite group of special athletes."

Mullins is no newcomer to tennis. He coached the sport at Christiansburg High School for 19 years, guiding his teams to seven New River District championships, two Region IV championships and a state Group AA runner-up.

He has now made the transition from coach and biology teacher at Christiansburg High to his insurance agency, formed with Beamer last June. Their agency specializes in tax deduction strategies.

In the spirit of giving, the two offer this free tax tip: The $20 entry fee is tax deductible, since it is a donation to the Special Olympics.

Area Nine is excited about the tournament.

"It will be very beneficial," said the Southwest region coordinator of Virginia Special Olympics, Nancy Harman.

"We're really pleased that Mullins and Beamer have chosen to do it. Any time we can get groups to do fund-raisers, it's a bonus. All the usual fund-raising has to be done by volunteers."

Mullins said there have been numerous entrees already, mostly in the men's divisions. They are hopeful that there will be more, especially in the women's divisions.

The number of participants will determine whether matches will be played on May 18, or just May 19 and 20.

Those who would like to play some tennis, support a worthy cause or perhaps pick up a tax tip or two can sign up or get more information by calling Mullins at home (731-3009) or at work (382-1237).