Mark Ein and Kastles Granted Key to City

The Washington Kastles were honored yesterday in a special ceremony on the steps of City Hall. With Mayor Fenty presiding, the 2009 WTT Champs were awarded with a key to the city.

“It’s very exciting to have this award presented to the District’s first professional Tennis Team,” said Mayor Fenty. “We are honored to present a key to the city to the Washington Kastles, not only for their success on the court, but also for their commitment to the District’s communities and our youth.”

Kastles owner Mark Ein, along with Kastles teammates Leander Paes, Scott Oudsema, Olga Puchkova, Rennae Stubbs, and head coach Murphy Jensen were also on hand for the occasion.

"It truly was a dream season for us, on and off the court”, said owner Mark Ein. “From being asked to host the championship, to winning our first King Trophy in front of our fans, to seeing the smiles on kids’ faces while they enjoyed the matches and clinics, it’s been a truly unforgettable season. We’re humbled to receive this honor from the city for our contributions to the community and amazed by the support we’ve received from our fans over the past two years.”

Fans received free Washington Kastles' Championship t-shirts. A championship luncheon was held at the Occidental Grill and Seafood restaurant, afterwhich the team and a few media members took a tour around the city that included stops at the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, the Smithsonian and the west lawn of the US Capitol.