VOA标准英语2011--Venus, Serena Williams Hold Clinic for W

Venus, Serena Williams Hold Clinic for Washington Youth

U.S. tennis stars Venus and Serena Williams - both multi-Grand Slam title winners - have not played competitively recently because of various injuries and ailments¹. They have continued, though, to promote their sport, as they did this week in the nation's capital.
This is not the first time Serena and Venus Williams have come to Washington to help support the Southeast Tennis and Learning Center, which is marking its 10th anniversary this year.
The facility offers special recreational and educational programs for inner city children and teens - primarily African Americans - in Washington, D.C.
Before the gala fundraising dinner, the Williams sisters conducted a clinic for 50 of the center's so-called tennis scholars. It was a chance for kids like 10-year old Colby Carr to get some tips from the best.
"When they're playing tennis they make sure to eat healthy and exercise a lot," said Carr.
Twelve-year-old Kayla Williams [no relation] said she immediately noticed a difference in her game after her personal instruction from Venus.
"She told me that when you hit the ball make sure your shoulder is facing your opponent and when you swing, put more power to it," she said.
The Southeast Tennis and Learning Center has served more than 4,000 young people over the past 10 years. Nearly 30 have been awarded tennis and academic scholarships to colleges around the country.
The Williams sisters have helped to raise funds for the Center and have devoted³ time to instruct young players there. Serena said it has been rewarding to watch the Center's growth.
"I'm glad to be here," she said. "Ten years of this is great. It's a great tennis program, but mostly the education on it is unbelievable."
The Center's chief executive, Cora Masters Barry, said having the great support of Serena and Venus Williams has been wonderful.
"It shows me that they really get it and really are committed to these kids and understand," said Barry. "It shows me their heart and it means so much to these kids."
Serena Williams was hospitalized two months ago with a blood clot⁴ on her lungs. She said the incident gave her a different perspective on life, and events like this.
"I mean it was definitely really, really scary and unfortunate, but you know I'm doing much better now and appreciating every moment that I have," said Serena.
Serena said her training is slow and steady. Venus is overcoming a hip² injury. She said they are not sure yet whether they will play at the French Open on May 23.
"It's a great event and we definitely want to be there, so we just take it week by week, evaluating it," said Venus. "The good part is we're both getting better."
Certainly their many fans, like the young children they worked with at this special clinic, hope the Williams sisters can soon return to competitive tennis.

1 ailments   

疾病（尤指慢性病），不适( ailment的名词复数 )

参考例句：

• His ailments include a mild heart attack and arthritis. 他患有轻度心脏病和关节炎。
• He hospitalizes patients for minor ailments. 他把只有小病的患者也送进医院。

2 hip   

n.臀部，髋；屋脊

参考例句：

• The thigh bone is connected to the hip bone.股骨连着髋骨。
• The new coats blouse gracefully above the hip line.新外套在臀围线上优美地打着褶皱。

3 devoted   

adj.忠诚的，忠实的，热心的，献身于...的

参考例句：

• He devoted his life to the educational cause of the motherland.他为祖国的教育事业贡献了一生。
• We devoted a lengthy and full discussion to this topic.我们对这个题目进行了长时间的充分讨论。

4 clot   

n.凝块；v.使凝成块

参考例句：

• Platelets are one of the components required to make blood clot.血小板是血液凝固的必须成分之一。
• The patient's blood refused to clot.病人的血液无法凝结。